Federal law enforcement officials said an accused domestic terrorist who spent 12 years on the run is now in custody and slated to face charges in three states.
Officials said Joseph Mahmoud Dibee, 50, of Seattle, Washington, was recently apprehended after authorities learned he was traveling through Central America on his way to Russia with a planned stop in Cuba.
The FBI joined forces with Cuban authorities to detain Dibee before he boarded a plane bound for Russia, officials said, and returned him to the United States after he fled the country in December 2005. Dibee will have legal proceedings in Oregon, California, and Washington State.
Officials said Dibee is charged in the District of Oregon with one count of conspiracy to commit arson, one count of conspiracy to commit arson and destruction of an energy facility, and one count of arson. He additionally faces one count each of conspiracy to commit arson, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence in the Western District of Washington. In the Eastern District of California, Dibee faces one count each of conspiracy to commit arson, arson of a government building, and possession of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence.
“Whatever the motivation, terrorism is simply unacceptable,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers said. “Domestic terrorism is no exception. Because of the close cooperation between our international and intergovernmental partners, Dibee will now face the consequences for his crimes. This should send a clear message to all other criminals on the run: no matter how long it takes, we will find you and we will bring you to justice.”