Wisconsin authorities have successfully made contact with a missing father of three, Ryan Borgwardt, who is believed to have staged his own death in August and fled the country. Borgwardt’s family reported him missing on Aug. 12, and his capsized kayak was found in Green Lake. After months of searching, a digital forensic analysis of Borgwardt’s computer revealed that he was likely alive in Europe. Authorities have now been in contact with him, as well as a Russian-speaking woman who facilitated the communication.
Borgwardt filmed a video of himself to prove that he was safe, and the sheriff’s office has had nearly daily communication with him since establishing contact. Borgwardt explained that he staged his disappearance by dumping his phone and fishing rod into the lake, paddling to shore in an inflatable boat, and traveling to Detroit before potentially crossing the Canadian border. Despite initial speculation that he may be in Europe, Borgwardt’s exact location remains unknown. Authorities are still investigating his actions leading up to his disappearance, including replacing his laptop’s hard drive, moving money to a foreign bank, and communicating with a woman from Uzbekistan.
The sheriff expressed the importance of Borgwardt returning home to his children, stating that no arrest warrants have been issued as of yet. There are no criminal charges filed against Borgwardt, but local officials are working with federal partners to determine how to proceed if charges are warranted. The FBI is assisting with communication overseas, as authorities seek restitution between $35,000 and $40,000 for the resources used in the ongoing search for Borgwardt.
The sheriff emphasized that Borgwardt’s decision to cooperate and return home is crucial, and that if he chooses not to do so, it will be of his own free will. Authorities are working to piece together the details of Borgwardt’s staged disappearance and his subsequent actions, in an effort to understand his motivations and ensure that he faces any necessary legal consequences. It is unclear what led Borgwardt to stage his own death and flee the country, but officials are determined to hold him accountable for the resources expended in his search and to ensure that he takes responsibility for his actions.
