Fugitive on FBI most wanted list caught in north Wales 'after more than 20 years on the run'

One of FBI's 'most wanted fugitives' has been found in north Wales after a manhunt lasting 20 years. Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was wanted for two bombings in the San Francisco area in 2003.

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed officers arrested him in the Conwy area of north Wales on Monday. The Director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, said San Diego's arrest showed that the US government agency will track down criminals "no matter how long it takes".

He 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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The NCA said his arrest - which involved nine officers from the agency's Joint International Crime Centre (JICC) as well as police colleagues - took place at a property in a rural area next to woodland. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday for the beginning of extradition proceedings, The Mirror reports.

An NCA spokesman 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."

On August 28, 2003, two bombs exploded around one hour apart at the offices of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville, California. On September 26 the same year, a bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton. San Diego was indicted in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, in July of 2004.

On the FBI's official Most Wanted website, the agency warned San Diego "should be considered armed and dangerous", and offered a reward of $250,000 (£199,000) for information leading to his arrest.

His Most Wanted profile also shared that he is known to follow a vegan diet, and had previously worked as a computer network specialist. He is "known to possess a handgun", the agency said, and was pictured with a tattoo on chest which read: "It only takes a spark".