Green Lake County, Wisconsin. — Wisconsin authorities have provided more details about what they say was a man’s sophisticated conspiracy to fake his own death and flee to Europe.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll told reporters Thursday that they had just communicated with Ryan Borgwardt, who they initially assumed drowned while kayaking on August 11. According to Podoll, detectives have substantial grounds to assume Borgwardt is somewhere in Eastern Europe.
“On November 11, we made contact with Ryan…,” Podoll stated. “That was a big turning point.”
Podoll stated that after weeks of scouring the lake and surrounding region for Borgwardt’s last known whereabouts, a trail of electronic evidence on his computer eventually led them to him via a Russian-speaking woman who they believe was traveling with him.
The sheriff then disclosed that Borgwardt had presented his office with a video confirming he was still alive, and that he had told investigators exactly how he managed to flee the United States undetected.
“He stashed an e-bike near the boat launch,” Podoll explained. “He paddled his kayak and a child-sized floating boat out into the lake; he overturned the kayak and dumped his phone in the lake, paddled the boat to shore and got on his e-bike and rode through the night to Madison [Wisconsin].”
According to Podell, Borgwardt told the sheriff’s office that after taking a bus from Madison to Detroit, he went to the Canadian border and booked a flight out of the country.
“We are expressing the importance of his decision to return home and clean up the mess that he has created,” according to Podoll. “Primary concern is that he safely gets back to U.S. soil.”
Podoll stated that officers are still communicating with Borgwardt, but he could not comment on the content of those talks.
According to police, Borgwardt left behind a wife and children, whom he has not spoken to since being reported missing.
According to Podoll, no charges have been filed, but if Borgwardt decides to return to the United States, he may face obstruction. He also stated that Borgwardt might be held liable for restitution expenditures incurred during the 54-day search, which would range between $35,000 and $40,000, plus an additional $7,000 for divers and equipment.
Borgwardt may possibly face federal criminal charges.
When asked if Podoll had any indication that Borgwardt was considering returning, he declined to answer.