A SUSPECTED terrorist who was one of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s most wanted fugitives was found and arrested in Conwy.
Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was detained at a property in a rural area next to woodland on Monday (November 25), after 21 years as a wanted man.
San Diego was wanted in connection with two bombings in San Francisco in 2003 – the FBI had offered a reward of up to $250,000 for anyone with information leading to his arrest.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday before being remanded in custody, and now faces extradition to the US.
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According to the FBI, San Diego was born in Berkeley, California, has ties to animal rights extremist groups, and has worked as a computer network specialist and with the operating system LINUX.
He was said to be “considered armed and dangerous”, as well as being a skilled sailor, and known to possess a handgun.
The FBI added: “On August 28, 2003, two bombs exploded approximately one hour apart on the campus of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville.
“Then, on September 26, 2003, one bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton.
“San Diego was indicted in the United States District Court in July 2004.”
Officers from the North Wales and Cheshire Armed Alliance Policing Team and North Wales Police assisted in arresting San Diego.
He was wanted on suspicion of “maliciously damaging and destroying, and attempting to destroy and damage, by means of explosives, buildings and other property”, as well as “possession of a destructive device during, in relation to, and in furtherance of, a crime of violence”.
Following San Diego’s arrest, FBI director Christopher Wray said: “Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive for two bombings in the San Francisco area shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.
“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.”
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