US Most Wanted Fugitive's £20,000 Assets Confiscated After Welsh Capture
A court in Wales has ordered the confiscation of more than £20,000 from frozen bank accounts belonging to one of America's most wanted fugitives, Daniel Andreas San Diego. The 47-year-old, who had been on the run from the FBI for over two decades, was arrested at his remote cottage in North Wales in November 2024 and is currently being held in the high-security Belmarsh prison in London.
Lengthy Manhunt Ends in Rural Wales
San Diego was discovered living under the alias Danny Webb in a picturesque, wooded area of Conwy, North Wales, after evading authorities for 21 years. He is accused of orchestrating a series of bombings in San Francisco in 2003, targeting companies linked to animal testing. The FBI had labelled him an "animal rights extremist" and placed him on their most wanted list, offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Initially, San Diego contested the forfeiture application brought by North Wales police to seize his assets. However, during a hearing at Llandudno Magistrates' Court, a police lawyer informed District Judge Anita Price that he had withdrawn his opposition. Financial investigators revealed that three bank accounts held under the name Danny Webb, now confirmed as San Diego, contained balances totalling over £20,000.
Alleged Bombings and FBI Pursuit
The fugitive is wanted in connection with two bombings in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2003. The first incident targeted biotechnology firm Chiron Inc. near Oakland in August, where authorities discovered a second bomb allegedly planted to harm first responders. A month later, a nail bomb detonated outside nutritional products company Shaklee. Both attacks were claimed by the Animal Liberation Brigade, though no injuries were reported.
These businesses had connections to British firm Huntingdon Life Sciences, a long-standing focus of animal rights protests. The FBI also claims to have found a "bomb-making factory" in San Diego's abandoned car after a 65-mile police chase in California prior to his disappearance.
Extradition Battle and Continued Detention
Following his arrest in Wales, San Diego's lawyers fought extradition to the United States, arguing there was political interference in the US justice system during the Trump administration. Their efforts were unsuccessful, and he remains in UK custody awaiting further proceedings.
At the time of his capture, then-FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasised that violence is not an acceptable means of protest, stating, "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."
San Diego was indicted in 2004 for maliciously damaging property with explosives but vanished before being taken into custody. His case highlights international cooperation in tracking down fugitives and the legal processes involved in asset seizure post-arrest.
