Ryan Borgwardt, 44, missing since August 12 after a fishing trip on Green Lake in the United States, in Wisconsin, is now suspected of having faked his own death to flee to Europe via Canada. The father of three, initially thought to have drowned, left no trace despite an intensive 54-day search by local authorities and volunteers.
Quoted by CNN, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said: “After exploring the entire lake with sonar, drones and sniffer dogs, we realized we needed to change direction. »
An investigation is underway
While investigating Ryan Borgwardt’s life, authorities discovered that he had transferred funds to a foreign account, changed his email address and communicated with a woman in Uzbekistan. In January, he took out $375,000 in life insurance and purchased airline cards.
On the day of his disappearance, he allegedly deleted the history of his computer and replaced his hard drive. According to Deputy Chief Matt Vande Kolk, Ryan Borgwardt’s passport was scanned at the Canadian border the day he disappeared, suggesting he left the country with a likely renewed document. The new findings led investigators to conclude that he had not perished in the lake, but had orchestrated its disappearance. “We are confident that Ryan is alive and is probably in Eastern Europe,” Mark Podoll said.
A call to return
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation are now assisting in the investigation. Authorities are also investigating whether Ryan Borgwardt received outside assistance and plan to seek reimbursement for taxpayer-funded research costs.
As the investigation continues, the sheriff sent a message to Ryan Borgwardt. “Ryan, if you see this, I am begging you to contact your family or us. They want to find their father. » Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Green Lake Sheriff’s Office.
Belgium
