A fugitive televangelist wanted by the FBI has been apprehended in the Philippines, bringing an end to a years-long international manhunt. Daniel Perez, also known as “Dr. Dino,” was sought by U.S. authorities for charges of tax evasion, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Perez, who was the founder of the “Creation Science Evangelism” ministry, had been on the run since 2009 when he failed to appear in court for sentencing on the charges. He was accused of using his ministry to defraud the government and his followers out of millions of dollars.
The FBI had been working with Philippine authorities to track down Perez, who had been living under an assumed name in the country. After a tip from a concerned citizen, authorities were able to locate and arrest him in a remote village in the southern Philippines.
Perez’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the evangelical community, as he was once a prominent figure in the movement. His ministry, which promoted a young-earth creationist view of the world, had a large following and was known for its controversial teachings.
The FBI has expressed gratitude to the Philippine authorities for their cooperation in apprehending Perez and bringing him to justice. Perez will now face extradition to the United States to stand trial for his alleged crimes.
This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how influential or well-connected they may be. The FBI’s relentless pursuit of Perez demonstrates their commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, no matter where they may try to hide.
As the legal process unfolds, the victims of Perez’s alleged crimes will hopefully find some measure of closure and justice. The arrest of this fugitive televangelist serves as a warning to others who may seek to exploit their followers for personal gain – the long arm of the law will eventually catch up to them.