FBI’s Most-Wanted Daniel San Diego Captured in Wales After 20 Years.
After more than two decades on the run, Daniel Andreas San Diego, one of the FBI’s most-wanted “terrorists,” has been captured in Wales. The 46-year-old was apprehended by the National Crime Agency in Conwy, following a manhunt that spanned countries and years. San Diego had been sought by the FBI after being linked to two bombings that took place in San Francisco in 2003.
The first bombing occurred in August 2003, when an explosion rocked a biotechnology company. A month later, a second bomb, a nail device, detonated at a nutrition business, causing widespread devastation. The FBI immediately named San Diego a prime suspect, as he was allegedly involved in extremist animal rights groups and was known for his violent methods of protest.
FBI Director Christopher Wray responded to San Diego’s capture, stating, “There is an appropriate and an inappropriate manner to convey one’s opinions in our nation.” He added, “Resorting to violence and the destruction of property is not the appropriate approach.” The apprehension of San Diego, who had been on the run for over 20 years, serves as a reminder that the FBI will relentlessly pursue fugitives, no matter how long it takes.
Photo issued by FBI
San Diego’s capture in Conwy, at a secluded property near a wooded area, concluded the lengthy search. Following his arrest, he was brought before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London to begin the extradition process back to the United States.
San Diego’s ties to animal rights extremist groups made him a prime target for the FBI’s investigation. He was placed on the FBI’s most-wanted list with a $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Authorities had warned that he may be armed and dangerous, noting he possessed a handgun and sported a tattoo on his chest reading, “It only takes a spark.”
Daniel Andreas San Diego, a former IT professional, became one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives after being implicated in two bombings in San Francisco in 2003. The attacks targeted companies involved in biotechnology and nutrition, which he believed were linked to animal cruelty. San Diego was connected to radical animal rights groups and carried out the bombings as acts of retaliation.
Key Events and Details:
- The Bombings (2003):
- The first bombing occurred in August 2003 at the Shaklee Corporation, a nutrition company, when a bomb exploded, injuring several people. The second bombing took place in September 2003 at a biotechnology company, Hickman and Brown. The bombings caused significant property damage and injuries. These attacks were part of a series of violent acts carried out by animal rights extremists.
- San Diego’s Motive:
- San Diego was connected to radical animal rights groups, and the bombings were thought to be motivated by his anger towards companies he believed were conducting harmful experiments on animals. He had previously been involved with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and other similar groups.
- Escape and Fugitive Status:
- After the bombings, San Diego went on the run and managed to evade capture by changing his appearance, including undergoing facial reconstruction surgery, and using fake IDs. His fugitive status lasted for over 20 years, with the FBI placing him on their most-wanted list.
- Physical Description:
- San Diego had a tattoo on his chest that said “It only takes a spark,” a phrase which potentially reflected his radical beliefs. He was also known to carry a handgun, which made him dangerous and difficult to apprehend.
- The Capture in Wales (2024):
- In 2024, after years of pursuing leads, the FBI, in cooperation with the UK’s National Crime Agency, located San Diego in a secluded residence near Conwy, Wales. Local law enforcement arrested him, and extradition proceedings have begun for him to face charges in the U.S. for his role in the bombings.