An alleged paedophile who had been on the run for nearly two decades has been apprehended in France, far away from his home country. The Scottsdale Police Department in Arizona confirmed the arrest of Michael Wiseman, wanted for multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. Wiseman, previously listed as the department’s “number 2 most wanted fugitive” since 2008, had absconded from the US while under court-ordered monitoring by removing his ankle monitor.
Authorities revealed that Wiseman had fled the US through Vietnam, then traveled to Poland before settling in France under the alias Robert Danilewski in Kilstett. Several nationwide extradition warrants were issued for his arrest, including charges related to probation violation, escape in the first degree, and failure to register as a sex offender.
Previously, Wiseman had been captured by the FBI’s Phoenix office in Spain in 2009, leading to an Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant. He was extradited to the US and sentenced in 2012 but absconded again while on probation.
Following a collaborative effort between the Scottsdale Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, a Provisional Arrest Warrant was submitted to the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs earlier this year. After approval, French authorities were alerted, leading to Wiseman’s discovery in Kilstett.
Investigators uncovered disturbing content on Wiseman’s personal accounts, including suspected child sexual abuse material. The Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) received videos confirming the sexual abuse, prompting French authorities to charge Wiseman with “rape and sexual assault of a minor under 15 years of age” and subsequently arresting him.
French authorities currently have Wiseman in custody pending his extradition to the US. Scottsdale Police Department Chief Joe LeDuc commended the persistence and dedication of the detectives involved in bringing Wiseman to justice, emphasizing the unwavering commitment to safeguarding children. The department expressed gratitude for the FBI’s support throughout the investigation.
