A judge has ruled that one of the FBI's "most wanted terrorists", who evaded capture for more than two decades, can be extradited to the United States to face trial following his dramatic arrest in Wales. Daniel Andreas San Diego, aged 47, was apprehended in November 2024 at a secluded property in Conwy, North Wales, where he had been living under the false identity Danny Webb.
Two Decades on the Run Ends in Rural Wales
San Diego allegedly carried out two bombings in the San Francisco area in 2003, attacks which were claimed by an animal rights extremist group. He vanished in October 2003 after the FBI had him under surveillance in San Francisco, beginning a fugitive existence that spanned over twenty years. His capture in Wales came after authorities identified him partly through a distinctive chest tattoo bearing the words "it only takes a spark".
Legal Battle Over Extradition
At Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, Judge Samuel Goozee ruled on Friday that there is no legal barrier to San Diego's extradition. The final decision now rests with the Home Secretary, though this is expected to be a formality. San Diego retains the right to appeal the decision at the High Court.
During a series of hearings last year, San Diego's legal team vigorously fought the extradition. His barrister, Mark Summers KC, argued that if convicted in the US, San Diego could face a staggering "90-year sentence". The defence team contended that he could not receive a fair trial in what they described as Donald Trump's America, alleging presidential interference in the Department of Justice.
The 2003 Bombing Campaign
San Diego was first indicted in California in 2004 on charges relating to two explosive incidents. On 28 August 2003, two bombs detonated about an hour apart at the Chiron biotechnology corporation campus in Emeryville, California. A month later, on 26 September 2003, another bomb exploded at the Shaklee nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, California.
While these bombings caused no injuries, authorities believe the biotechnology explosion was intended to harm first responders. A group calling itself the Revolutionary Cells-Animal Liberation Brigade claimed responsibility, citing the targeted companies' connections to Huntingdon Life Sciences, a firm notorious among animal rights activists for its animal testing practices.
From Most Wanted List to Welsh Hideaway
San Diego earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first alleged domestic terrorist added to the FBI's most wanted list in 2009, appearing alongside figures like the late al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The FBI had offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and described him as having ties to animal rights extremism, following a vegan diet, possessing a handgun, and working as a computer network specialist.
His disappearance in 2003 marked the beginning of an international manhunt, with reported sightings across the globe before his eventual discovery living quietly in rural Wales. The case highlights ongoing international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts and raises significant questions about extradition proceedings between the UK and US.
