Wisconsin Father Fakes Death in Elaborate Escape to Europe

Ryan Borgwardt, missing since August, is believed to have staged his disappearance, leaving behind his family and a massive search effort.

Ryan Borgwardt, a father of three, vanished during a kayaking trip on Green Lake, Wisconsin, sparking a 54-day search involving divers, drones, and sonar.
Investigators now suspect Borgwardt staged his own death after discovering his passport was used at the Canadian border the day after he disappeared.
Evidence suggests Borgwardt had been planning his escape, including taking out a $375,000 life insurance policy and communicating with a woman in Uzbekistan.
Authorities found digital traces of Borgwardt's plans to relocate to Europe, including attempts to transfer funds to foreign banks and a wiped laptop hard drive.
The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, along with federal agencies, continues to investigate and seek restitution for the costly search efforts.