Authorities in Wisconsin believe a father of three who disappeared on Aug. 12 may have staged his disappearance and fled to Europe.
Ryan Borgward's family reported him missing on Monday after he failed to return home, and Wisconsin authorities and volunteers searched for him for months after the 45-year-old's kayak was found capsized on Green Lake the same day. conducted a search.
The next day, authorities collected evidence that two fishermen who had been casting along the bottom of Green Lake “brought fishing rods,” and Borgwald's wife identified the rods as belonging to her husband. Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podol said at a press conference on November 8th. press conference recorded by Fox 11.
A months-long search involving law enforcement and volunteers from Bruce Legacy, a Wisconsin-based organization that provides search and recovery efforts for drowning victims, went unanswered.
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Wisconsin authorities believe Ryan Borgward faked his own death in August. (Bruce Legacy/Facebook)
“October 4th was a Friday, and when I met Keith Cormican from Blues Legacy, he said, 'Sheriff, we've looked a lot and we can't find you,'” Podol said. remind me. . “He said, 'We have sought, and we have sought.'”
Cormican's insight led law enforcement to take the investigation in a “different direction” on October 7, Podol explained at a press conference.
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A months-long search involving law enforcement and volunteers from Bruce Legacy, a Wisconsin-based organization that provides search and recovery efforts for drowning victims, went unanswered. (Legacy of the Blues)
That's when the sheriff's office decided to conduct a digital forensic analysis of Borgwald's computer and quickly determined that the missing father and husband were likely alive “somewhere in Europe.”
Through digital forensic analysis, authorities also determined that Mr. Borgwald had replaced his laptop's hard drive before his disappearance, wiped his browser history on the day of his disappearance, took a photo of his passport, sent money to a foreign bank, and confirmed his email address. “Podol was in contact with a woman from Uzbekistan,'' the statement said.
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Digital forensic analysis of Ryan Borgward's computer led authorities to determine that her missing father and husband were likely alive “somewhere in Europe.” (Facebook)
In addition, the sheriff said, Borgwald “purchased a $300,000 life insurance policy and purchased an airline card in January,” all of which led authorities to believe that Borgwald was still alive somewhere outside the United States. He said he believed there was.
“With the discovery of these new pieces of evidence, we are now confident that Ryan is not in our lake,” Podol said, adding that his office's investigation later “assembled” many intricate pieces. He said that it is a “puzzle” that must be solved.
Ryan Borgward “purchased a $300,000 life insurance policy and purchased an airline card in January,” the sheriff said, all of which led authorities to believe he was not in the United States but still somewhere. He says he believes he is alive. (Facebook)
Law enforcement is working to determine whether a crime was committed or whether someone may have aided and abetted the commission of the crime.
Mr Podol also highlighted the significant cost to taxpayers who had funded a months-long search for a man who may not have been missing.
The sheriff also thanked Borgwald's family, especially his wife, for their help in the search for the 45-year-old.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podor said the investigation into Ryan Borgward's disappearance continues and “more people will be involved.” (FOX11)
“She's a strong woman…I can't imagine what she's going through,” Podol said.
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Ms. Podor told Ms. Borgwald, “Ryan, if you are watching this, please contact us or contact your family. We understand that situations can arise. “But there are families who want their father back.”
The investigation into Borgwald's disappearance continues and “more people will be involved,” the sheriff said.
