Investigators: US Bombing Suspect Resided in Wales for Years

An agency involved in the apprehension of one of America’s most sought-after individuals, who was taken into custody in north Wales after more than two decades as a fugitive, indicated that he had likely resided in the area for several years, potentially under an assumed name. Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) informed the BBC that Daniel Andreas San Diego, aged 46, was apprehended on Monday. According to North Wales Police, his capture occurred in a secluded spot situated above Maenan, within the Conwy valley in Conwy county. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in America stated its belief that he participated in the 2003 bombing of two office structures in San Francisco, California, and is now subject to extradition to the United States. The FBI has leveled the accusation against him of being “an animal rights extremist”. The FBI reported that the initial bombing took place in August 2003, involving two blasts separated by an hour at a biotechnology company’s campus, succeeded a month later by a nail bomb incident at a nutritional products firm. He was the inaugural “domestic terrorist” to be included on the agency’s list of most wanted terrorists, with the advisory that he “should be considered armed and dangerous”. Furthermore, the FBI indicated that he was “skilled at sailing, and has travelled internationally”. Michael J Heimbach, who serves as the FBI’s assistant director of the counterterrorism division, stated that the suspect had carried out “domestic acts of terror planned out and possibly intended to take lives, destroy property and create economic hardship for the companies involved”. A reward of $250,000 (£199,000) was offered for details resulting in his capture, with the suggestion that he might have been residing in Costa Rica. Reports indicate that the agency’s final observation of him occurred in 2003, at which time FBI agents were in close proximity in downtown San Francisco. David Johnson, an FBI agent, recounted in 2013: “He parked his car, got out of his vehicle and started walking down the street and if I’m not mistaken, he went into a Bart [train] station and that was the last time we’ve seen him.” Andrew Black, a former FBI agent, commented that the investigation was then “of great interest” to the bureau. He informed CBS news, “We had recently solved the Unabomber investigation, and bombings were a serious concern to the FBI and trying to solve them.” The FBI’s most wanted terrorist list was established by then-President George W Bush in October 2001, mere weeks following the 11 September assaults on New York City and Washington DC. President Bush declared that the list would “shine the light of justice” on terrorists, whom he described as those who “try to operate in the shadows”. He stated, “Terrorism has a face, and today we expose it for the world to see.” The initial list contained 22 individuals, among them Osama bin Laden, who is widely believed to have orchestrated the 9/11 attacks and was eliminated by US forces in Pakistan in 2011. In 2013, Joanne Chesimard, a convicted murderer and member of the Black Liberation Army, also identified as Assata Shakur, became the inaugural female addition to the list. Presently, the list comprises 24 individuals. The location is situated north of Llanrwst, proceeding down the Conwy valley, specifically an area named Maenan. Directly above that, a residence exists that is not easily accessible. It lacks proper road access, and Daniel Andreas San Diego was reportedly thought to have resided there for a period. Having visited the site on Wednesday afternoon, the house proved difficult to reach, and local residents indicated that this solitary American had been dwelling in the vicinity for at least several years. He maintained a private life, and a couple of individuals recognized him from walking dogs. However, they possessed limited knowledge about him and were certainly unaware that he was among the most sought-after individuals on the FBI’s terrorist list.