A suspected terrorist wanted for more than 20 years in the US has been arrested after being tracked down in North Wales.
Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, became one of the FBI’s “most wanted fugitives” after two bombings in San Francisco in 2003. He was detained by the National Crime Agency, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and local police, in the Conwy area on Monday.
San Diego is believed to have been located in a rural area near a forest.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday as extradition proceedings began.
The FBI said San Diego has “ties” to animal rights extremists and there was a reward of nearly £200,000 for information leading to his arrest.
He was wanted over two bombings in 2003 at a biotechnology facility and a nutritional products company in California.
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.”
The bureau said that the 46-year-old followed a vegan diet, avoiding meat and animal products.
He was described as a skilled sailor with experience travelling internationally, the bureau added.
San Diego was also heavily tattooed, with the agency saying that some of his tattoos may have been “significantly altered or covered with new tattoos.”
One tattoo in the centre of his chest featured a round image of burning hillsides accompanied by the words ‘it only takes a spark’.
The former 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.
Conwy, formerly known in English as Conway, is a walled market town, community and the administrative centre of Conwy County Borough in North Wales. The historic walled town and its castle are located on the west bank of the River Conwy, directly opposite Deganwy on the east bank.
