Man Infiltrates Peaceful Welsh Community
A man who unwittingly sold his home to a fugitive listed on the FBI’s most wanted list has described the property as the perfect hideaway. The home, a charming white villa named Llidiart y Coed, is nestled in the serene hills near Llanrwst in North Wales and boasts a balcony with breathtaking views.
In August 2023, Daniel Andreas San Diego purchased the residence for £425,000 under the alias Danny Webb. Little did the previous owner know, the buyer had been evading authorities for over 21 years, linked to two bomb attacks in San Francisco back in 2003.
The Sale and Its Consequences
Aled Evans, the home’s former owner, recounted that San Diego was eager about the property’s expansive woodland, which he hoped to explore through mountain biking. “He said it was the ideal place for what he wanted,” Evans shared during an interview on BBC Radio Wales. Yet, it became apparent that San Diego’s intentions for residing in the Welsh countryside were far from conventional.
After more than two decades on the run, San Diego was apprehended in Maenan, just a few miles from where he had set up his clandestine life. He had a significant $250,000 (£199,000) bounty on his head, and the FBI had kept an eye on his activities from afar.
Life in Llidiart y Coed
Despite living only a short distance from neighbors, many were unaware of his presence. Residents on the unpaved track reported limited interactions with him, and some even recognized his car, but none had substantial contact. The area itself is a sprawling community of farms and quaint cottages, many transformed into holiday accommodations.
The picturesque house itself is equipped with a pristine garden and is surrounded by nature, providing an inspiring backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. However, when BBC reporters visited, it was apparent that San Diego had left the home abruptly: keys were left hanging on a door, and personal belongings were strewn throughout the space.
Perceptions of San Diego
Evans described San Diego as amiable and soft-spoken, believing him to be a Canadian rather than an American. He recalled a 20-minute meeting on moving day, noting that the fugitive seemed relaxed and unconcerned about unfinished repairs in the home.
Both Evans and his partner, Suzanne Thomas, noted their suspicions regarding the absence of a property surveyor during the sale process. Nevertheless, they also witnessed him mingling with locals and building friendships, suggesting he integrated well into the community despite his hidden past.
FBI’s Pursuit of Justice
The FBI had been searching for San Diego since he became part of a list of wanted individuals classified as domestic terrorists. In 2003, he was linked to bombings targeting companies involved in animal testing; these attacks were described as politically motivated. He gained notoriety as the first domestic terrorist to be added to the agency’s wanted list post-9/11.
Table: Key Details of Daniel San Diego’s Background
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Daniel Andreas San Diego |
| Alias | Danny Webb |
| FBI Bounty | $250,000 (£199,000) |
| Location of Arrest | Maenan, North Wales |
| Bombing Incidents | 2003, San Francisco |
As the dust settles after his arrest, the quaint and tranquil setting of Llidiart y Coed has been stained by the knowledge that it once harbored one of the most wanted individuals in America. The contrasting narratives of peaceful rural living and hidden criminality will likely continue to emerge, as neighbors are left in shock and disbelief at the revelation.
