07 June 1999
(Charged in connection with 1998 bombings of US embassies) (470) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has put Usama Bin Laden on its list of the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives," Attorney General Janet Reno and FBI Director Louis J. Freeh announced June 7. Bin Laden is the leader of the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda and has been charged with the bombing of U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on August 7, 1998. The Department of State is offering up to $5 million for information leading to his apprehension. Information should be reported to local law enforcement agencies, the FBI or to the nearest U.S. embassy. Following is text of the FBI's press release: (begin text) Attorney General Janet Reno and FBI Director Louis J. Freeh today placed Usama Bin Laden, the leader of a terrorist organization known as Al-Qaeda (The Base), on its list of "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives." Bin Laden is charged in connection with the August 7, 1999, bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. These attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people, including twelve American citizens, and the wounding of more than 4,000 individuals. Usama Bin Laden was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on November 4, 1998, in the Southern District of New York, on charges of Murder of U.S. Nationals Outside the United States, Conspiracy to Murder U.S. Nationals Outside the United States, and Attacks on a Federal Facility Resulting in Death. Usama Bin Laden was born in 1957 in Saudi Arabia. He is described as an Arab male, 6' 4" to 6' 6," approximately 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Bin Laden has an olive complexion and a thin build. He walks with the aid of a cane. In the past, he has resided in Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Afghanistan. Bin Laden has used the following aliases: Usama Bin Muhammad Bin Ladin, Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, the Prince, the Emir, Abu Abdallah, Mujahid Shaykh, Haij, and the Director. Usama Bin Laden's organization, Al-Qaeda, is extensive and has the capability and willingness to inflict large-scale, random casualties. Bin Laden should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Usama Bin Laden is the 456th person to be placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list, which began in 1950. Since then, 427 fugitives have been apprehended or located, 133 of them as a result of citizen assistance. The U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of Usama Bin Laden. This reward is the largest amount ever offered for a fugitive wanted by the U.S. Government. Individuals with information concerning Usama Bin Laden should take no action themselves but instead immediately contact the nearest FBI office or local law enforcement agency. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Information can also be provided by calling a toll-free number: 1-900-HEROES-1 Further information about Usama Bin Laden is available on the FBI's Internet Home Page. The FBI's Internet Home Page address is: http://www.fbi.gov. (End text)