Daniel Andreas San Diego, a fugitive on the FBI’s most-wanted terrorist list since 2009, was arrested in Wales on Monday. The operation was carried out by Britain’s National Crime Agency,
Counter Terrorism Policing, and North Wales Police, in coordination with the FBI.
San Diego, an alleged animal-rights extremist, was wanted in connection with a bombing at a California biotechnology firm in 2003. He is currently in custody pending extradition. It is unclear if he has obtained legal representation.
San Diego faces charges related to the 2003 bombing of Chiron Inc., a biotechnology company near Oakland, California. Authorities also discovered a second explosive device at the site, which was safely deactivated and may have been intended for first responders. A month later, San Diego was allegedly involved in planting another bomb at a different California company. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
A group calling itself the "Revolutionary Cells" claimed responsibility for the attacks via a pro-animal rights website. The group targeted firms linked to Huntingdon Life Sciences, a company criticized by animal rights activists for its use of animal testing. Huntingdon Life Sciences is now part of the firm Inotiv.
In 2004, a federal grand jury indicted San Diego on multiple charges, including two counts of destroying or attempting to destroy property with explosives and two counts of using a destructive device in a crime of violence.
San Diego’s extreme advocacy of violence for animal rights was well-documented, according to the FBI. Despite years on the run, his capture demonstrates the FBI's persistence.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the bureau’s dedication to bringing fugitives to justice, regardless of how much time has passed.
"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," Wray stated.
San Diego's arrest marks a significant milestone in a decades-long search for one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives. Photo by Shinsuke Ikegame, FBI, Wikimedia commons.
