An alleged paedophile who spent 14 years as a fugitive from US justice has been apprehended thousands of miles from home in a quiet French commune, concluding a complex international manhunt.
The Long Road to Justice
Michael Wiseman, wanted on multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, was finally arrested in Kilstett, France. The Scottsdale Police Department in Arizona confirmed the arrest, marking the end of a pursuit that began in 2008 when Wiseman was first charged and subsequently became the department's 'number 2 most wanted fugitive'.
After initially being placed under court-ordered monitoring, Wiseman deliberately fled the United States by cutting off his ankle monitor. His escape triggered a multi-national search, with the FBI's Phoenix office playing a pivotal role. Scottsdale PD detailed that his flight path took him from the US to Vietnam, then onwards to Poland, before he eventually settled in France.
A Fugitive Life Uncovered
While living in Kilstett, Wiseman was allegedly using the alias Robert Danilewski to evade capture. Multiple nationwide extradition warrants were active for his arrest, citing charges including probation violation related to sexual exploitation of a minor, probation violation related to first-degree escape, and failure to register as a sex offender.
This was not the first time Wiseman had been caught abroad. In a previous operation, the FBI apprehended him in Spain in 2009 under an Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant. He was extradited to the US and sentenced in 2012, but managed to flee the country once again while on probation.
The Investigation Intensifies
The breakthrough in the long-standing case came earlier this year. Scottsdale's Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU), working with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, submitted a Provisional Arrest Warrant to the US Department of Justice Office of International Affairs. Following approval, the warrant was forwarded to French authorities.
The investigation took a more serious turn in October 2025, when detectives uncovered 'historical and current data and what was believed to be new child sexual abuse material' on Wiseman's personal accounts. Authorities confirmed that videos showing sexual abuse were handed over to the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT). The evidence allegedly showed Wiseman had sexually abused a child, leading French authorities to charge him with 'rape and sexual assault of a minor under 15 years of age' prior to his arrest.
He is now being held by French authorities pending his eventual extradition back to the United States.
A Commitment to Protecting Children
Scottsdale Police Department Chief Joe LeDuc praised the collaborative effort, stating the arrest reflects 'years of persistence, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to protecting children'.
He added: 'Nearly two decades ago, this individual fled from accountability. Our detectives never stopped working to bring him to justice. We are deeply grateful for the FBI's partnership and their continued support in this case.'
