US Bombing Suspect Spent Years in Secluded Wales, Authorities Reveal
A significant breakthrough in international law enforcement has emerged with the arrest of Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, in North Wales, a man on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for over two decades.
The Arrest in Rural Wales
San Diego, who had been a fugitive since he allegedly participated in bombings in San Francisco in 2003, was apprehended on Monday in a remote area above the village of Maenan in the Conwy Valley. The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed his arrest, indicating that he might have lived in this secluded location for several years, possibly under an alias.
Background of the Accusations
San Diego is accused of being involved in two bomb attacks that shook California’s San Francisco Bay Area. The first bombing occurred in August 2003, striking a biotechnology firm, followed by a second explosion at a nutritional products company a month later. The FBI described him as an “animal rights extremist,” stating that his actions were intended to cause destruction, financial turmoil, and fear among the targeted organizations.
The FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List
He was notably the first domestic terrorist to be added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List, with authorities warning that he was to be considered armed and dangerous. The agency had previously offered a reward of $250,000 for information leading to his arrest, suggesting he might have been evading capture in places like Costa Rica.
Investigation Insights
The last confirmed sighting of San Diego was in 2003, during an FBI raid in downtown San Francisco. Special agent David Johnson recounted how San Diego was seen leaving his car and entering a Bart train station, disappearing shortly thereafter. Former FBI agent Andrew Black noted that the bureau was deeply invested in his case following a wave of bombings during that period.
Life in Conwy Valley
Reports from the local community indicate that San Diego had been living quietly in the area. Residents described a man who kept to himself, occasionally recognized for taking walks with his dogs. Little did they know that the individual living among them was one of the country’s most wanted fugitives.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| First Bombing | August 2003 | San Francisco, CA |
| Second Bombing | September 2003 | San Francisco, CA |
| Arrest | November 2024 | Maenan, Wales |
Looking Forward
With San Diego’s extradition to the United States looming, many await the repercussions of his past actions and the potential legal processes that will follow. This arrest not only marks the end of a long-standing manhunt but also reinforces ongoing efforts to address and resolve cases involving domestic terrorism.
