FBI Joins Search for Missing Grandfather in California

The FBI has become involved in the case of a missing grandfather from Southern California, as authorities intensify what is now being characterized as a concerning kidnapping investigation. This case also appears to involve elements of fraud, identity theft, and a possible link to cryptocurrency assets.

Nai Ping Hou, a 74-year-old man, went missing from his Rancho Cucamonga home in March 2025, and his family reported him missing on May 4.

Federal authorities suspect foul play, pointing out that Hou’s bank account showed suspicious activity—specifically, it was nearly emptied before anyone alerted law enforcement.

Initially, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as a suspicious disappearance. However, they now believe that evidence indicates a potential kidnapping.

According to Hou’s son, Wen Hou, the last time he saw his father was during a fishing outing shortly before his disappearance. “He was in such a good mood,” Wen recalled. “Caught a lot of fish. Friends were around too; he seemed really happy.”

However, things began to feel off a few weeks later. “He kept giving odd reasons, saying he was tired or he’d call later,” Wen noted, adding that his father’s responses became unusually brief and devoid of personal touches like photos.

It truly hit home for Wen when his father stopped picking up the phone altogether and sent unusually cold messages on his birthday. “I mean, it’s wild to think that someone could impersonate him, even through text,” he told others during his search for answers.

Alarm bells started ringing when friends who checked on Hou’s house found it completely vacant in early May. “Something was definitely wrong,” said Wen. “The place was just cleared out. No one, no cars, nothing left behind.”

Later investigations uncovered substantial fraudulent activities related to Hou’s bank accounts. Over a million dollars were lost through suspicious transactions, which allegedly included purchases of gold and cryptocurrency. “His money is gone too,” Wen expressed, questioning how such transactions could occur when his father wasn’t tech-savvy at all.

Authorities have indicated that Hou’s car was sold, and there was an apparent attempt to rent out his home. Meanwhile, his wife was overseas visiting family in China when he went missing. She even received a strange text suggesting that she should postpone her return.

While a clear motive has not been confirmed, Wen thinks it’s possible his father might have been targeted due to his financial success in the cryptocurrency realm. “I really miss him,” he shared. “He’s always been my guiding force.”

Hou is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and around 170 pounds, with black hair and some distinguishing features like a bruise on his upper left shoulder and surgical scars on his lower back. It’s been months since anyone has seen or heard from him.

Investigators are currently looking for a silver Toyota Yaris that may be connected to the case.

The Hou family has established a dedicated website to promote awareness of the situation, share photos, and gather tips. They are offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to Hou’s safe return or the identification of those responsible for his disappearance.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.