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CC News Network Exclusive: Missing Wisconsin Man May Have Faked Own Death, Disappeared to Europe

Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll has urged missing Wisconsin resident Ryan Borgwardt to contact his family amid suspicions that he may have staged his disappearance and left the country. Initially believed to have drowned during an August 12 kayaking trip on Green Lake, recent evidence now suggests Borgwardt could be alive and in Europe, casting new light on a case that has puzzled both law enforcement and his family. The saga is written right out of a true crime novel. If he is in Europe, this was well planned out, well in advance of his disappearance.

“We know that he’s not in our lake,” Podoll stated at a November 8 press conference, explaining that the initial search for Borgwardt’s body had spanned weeks and involved cadaver dogs, divers, and intensive efforts around Green Lake. Borgwardt’s abandoned kayak, found adrift, led officials to fear he had drowned, but authorities have since shifted their focus away from the lake as new details emerge.

Timeline of Events

Borgwardt, a resident of Watertown, Wisconsin, husband, and father of two school-aged children, was last seen on August 12, when he set out on Green Lake. When he failed to return, a search was launched. Authorities discovered his car and trailer at Dodge Memorial Park, and his capsized kayak, along with personal belongings, was later found in the lake. Despite an exhaustive eight-week search, there were no signs of Borgwardt’s body.

New Evidence Suggests Disappearance Was Planned

Sheriff Podoll revealed that the investigation took a major turn on October 7 when officials discovered that Borgwardt’s passport had been scanned at the border on August 13, just one day after his disappearance. Further forensic analysis of his laptop—provided by his wife—indicated travel to Europe and contact with a woman from Uzbekistan. Investigators also learned that Borgwardt had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January and had purchased international airline cards. Additionally, he had moved funds to a foreign bank account and had replaced his laptop’s hard drive before his disappearance.

“We’re in a strong position to believe he’s out there,” Podoll noted. “All we want to know is that he’s safe.”

Ryan Borgwardt - Green Lake, WI — Green Lake, WI

What’s Next?

As authorities continue to pursue leads on Borgwardt’s whereabouts, they are asking anyone with information to come forward. The investigation involves the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, with officials looking into any potential legal violations. No charges have been filed at this time, but investigators are actively working to determine if others were involved in his possible disappearance.

In a plea directed to Borgwardt, Sheriff Podoll said, “Ryan, if you’re viewing this, please contact us or your family. We understand that circumstances can change, but there’s a family that wants their Daddy back.”

The investigation is ongoing, and CC News Network will continue to update as more information becomes available.

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