One of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives Daniel San Diego has been arrested more than 20 years after going on the run – with police tracking him down in a remote north Wales forest, Daily Mail reports.
Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was listed as one of the US’s ‘most wanted terrorists’ after two bombings in San Francisco, California, in August 2003.
Two devices had been detonated on an Emeryville campus – a biotechnology corporation – an hour apart in the summer of that year, Sky reports.
The second bomb, which was discovered by authorities, blew up before it could be defused,
The bureau said the incident suggested the explosive may have been placed with the intention of targeting emergency services.
Then, the following September, a bomb wrapped in nails blew up at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
The National Crime Agency, alongside North Wales Police, arrested the 46-year-old on Monday near Conwy.
It is believed that he was found at a property located in a rural area near a forest
According to his FBI most wanted profile, Daniel San Diego reportedly has links to ‘animal rights extremist groups’ and was known to possess a handgun.
There was also a reward of $250,000 (£199,000) on offer for details leading to his arrest.
On Tuesday, he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court as the procedure for his extradition to face charges in the US starts.
According to the FBI, San Diego was indicted in the United States District Court, Northern District of California in relation to his alleged involvement with the bombings in July 2004.
The bureau also said the 46-year-old was known to follow a vegan diet and would not eat meat or food containing animal products.
He was also known as a skilled sailor and had travelled internationally, the bureau said.
Daniel San Diego also had numerous tattoos, which may have been ‘significantly altered or covered with new tattoos’, the agency said.
In the centre of his chest one tattoo had a round image of burning hillsides alongside the words ‘it only takes a spark’.
The ex- computer network specialist also had tattoos of burning and collapsing buildings on his abdomen and lower back, as well as a single leafless tree on his lower back.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said: ‘There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way.’
‘Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years… shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.’
An NCA spokesperson said: ‘On Monday 25 November 2024, officers from the National Crime Agency, supported by colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing and North Wales Police, arrested Daniel Andreas San Diego, aged 46, in the Conwy area of Wales, at the request of the US authorities.
‘He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today (26 November) as extradition proceedings began. He was remanded in custody.’