One of FBI's most wanted 'terrorists' caught in Wales after more than 20 years on the run

A fugitive wanted for more than two decades by the FBI has been caught in North Wales, authorities have said.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was one of the FBI's "most wanted terrorists" for two bombings in the San Francisco area in 2003.

Two bombs exploded about one hour apart on the campus of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville, California, in August that year, according to the agency.

Then, in September of the same year, one bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, also California.

According to the FBI, San Diego has ties to "animal rights extremist groups" and there was a reward of $250,000 (£199,000) for information leading directly to his arrest.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said: "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."

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) made the arrest on Monday, the organisation confirmed, in the Conwy area of Wales.

It is understood he was arrested at a property in a rural area next to woodland.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday as the process to extradite him to the US to face charges began.

"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," Mr Wray added.

The bombings didn't cause any injuries, but authorities said the biotechnology blast was meant to harm first responders.

A group called Revolutionary Cells-Animal Liberation Brigade claimed responsibility for the bombings, citing the firms' ties to Huntingdon Life Sciences - a company targeted by animal rights extremists over its work with experimental drugs on animals.

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San Diego disappeared into a transit station on 6 October 2003, when the FBI had him under surveillance as he parked his car near downtown San Francisco.

The agency didn't see him again, but said there have been several sightings reported around the world.

He was added to the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorist List in 2009, becoming the first person suspected of domestic terrorism included.

The FBI claimed he was known to follow a vegan diet and worked as a computer network specialist.

He wa also "known to possess a handgun", the agency said on its website, and had a tattoo on his chest with the words "it only takes a spark".

That tattoo, along with others, may have been "altered or covered".

His wanted poster said in large text: "SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS".

(c) Sky News 2024: One of FBI's most wanted 'terrorists' caught in Wales after more than 20 years on the run