Police investigate 'suspicious disappearance' of elderly man linked to cryptocurrency fortune

An active investigation is underway in Southern California for a missing man that police are calling a “suspicious disappearance.” 

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department have shared new details in their efforts to find Naiping Hou, a 74-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga.

He was reported missing by his family on May 4, 2025, according to authorities. 

Investigators discovered “extensive fraudulent activity” in Hou’s bank accounts around the time he disappeared.

Naiping Hou

The family of Naiping Hou is offering a $250,000 reward as authorities delve into a suspicious disappearance involving identity theft and impersonation. (Findnaipinghou.com)

The family later learned that several of Naiping Hou’s bank accounts had been emptied, with over $1 million missing.

“Funds were being transferred out to purchase gold online,” Wen Hou explained, noting that his father’s accounts were also utilized to acquire cryptocurrency and substantial gold bars. “He’s not tech-savvy at all, so I don’t know how he could’ve done any of that himself.”

“We’re really worried, and we really want my dad back,” he continued. 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help to find Naiping Hou. He is described as an Asian male, 5’7″ tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds. He has black hair, black eyes, and has a birthmark on his left upper shoulder.

Additionally, investigators are seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris in connection with Nai Ping Hou’s disappearance.

“There’s been a significant amount of unauthorized activity in his bank accounts,” Mara Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department told KABC. “We’re deeply concerned for his well-being and focused on bringing him home safely.”

According to a website dedicated to the search for Naiping Hou, he is originally from China and is a husband, father, and grandfather who is semi-retired. He is said to spend his time “woodworking, playing ping pong at a local recreation center, and staying active in his community.”

“The Hou family has long been committed to hard work, family values, and giving back—making generous contributions to education and public safety organizations as part of their dedication to helping others,” a statement on the website reads. 

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Vanayes Quezada, Specialized Investigations Division, at (909) 890-4848. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

You May Also Like

Iran boosting efforts to target Americans in Mideast: US Intel

US Intel: Iran Steps Up Efforts to Target Americans in Mideast

Iran has intensified efforts to target Americans abroad, with deadly operations reaching…
El-Sayed refuses to answer questions about Muslim Brotherhood letter: 'I’m not interested’ 

El-Sayed Declines Questions on Alleged Muslim Brotherhood Letter: ‘I’m Not Interested’

Abdul El-Sayed repeatedly interrupted Fox News host Bret Baier on Friday as…
Queens woman shot by NYPD cops after picking up berzerk brother's knife: family

Queens Woman Shot by NYPD After Picking Up Knife During Brother’s Crisis, Family Says

A Queens woman had wrestled a knife away from her brother after…
Blakeman amps up gubernational bid with three NYC stops

Nassau County Executive Blakeman Boosts NY Governor Bid in NYC

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman took his affordability message to three New…
College student, 21, dies unexpectedly from 'sudden medical emergency'

College Student, 21, Dies After Sudden Medical Emergency

A University of South Carolina student died unexpectedly during her final semester,…
Cornell rape accuser can remain 'Jane Doe' as judge warns threats could lead to federal charges

Cornell Rape Accuser May Remain Jane Doe; Judge Warns Federal Charges

A former Cornell University student who filed a civil lawsuit against members…
Coast Guard swimmer Josh Law fought waves and darkness to rescue 16 people from Pacific Ocean

Coast Guard Swimmer Josh Law Rescues 16 in Dark Pacific Seas

Strapped into a harness, US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Josh Law was…
California election homestretch: Steve Hilton touts tax cuts as Bass, Raman battle over utility bills

California Election Homestretch: Steve Hilton Pushes Tax Cuts as Bass and Raman Clash Over Utility Bills

California’s political leaders fanned out across the state Saturday as early voting…
New UFO files include details of strange triangular craft:

New UFO Files Reveal Details of Mysterious Triangular Craft

Washington — Federal agents in the western United States reported seeing a…
Everything you need to know about Props 41 and 42, designed to cancel out California's billionaire tax

California Props 41 and 42: How They Aim to Cancel Billionaire Tax

Proposition 40, dubbed California’s billionaire tax, has sparked intense debate. Two competing…
Karoline Leavitt slams Bass, Newsom for not working with Trump

White House’s Leavitt Blasts Bass, Newsom Over Trump Cooperation

Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has offered California’s Democratic leaders…
Florida judge Allison Gilman under fire after asking domestic violence suspect for cooking advice in court

Florida Judge Allison Gilman Draws Fire Over Cooking Advice in Court

A Florida judge is facing backlash after discussing steak-grilling tips with a…