The FBI has stepped in to assist in the search for a missing grandfather from Southern California. Authorities are now treating the situation as a kidnapping, which appears to be linked to a complex case involving fraud, impersonation, and possibly a target related to cryptocurrency assets.
Seventy-four-year-old Nai Ping Hou disappeared from his home in Rancho Cucamonga in March 2025. His absence was not reported until May 4, several weeks later.
Federal officials suspect foul play, revealing that Hou’s financial accounts were drained before his disappearance was reported to law enforcement.
Initially, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department categorized the incident as a suspicious disappearance. However, new evidence has led them to believe that Hou may have been abducted.
Wen Hou, Nai Ping Hou’s son, recounted that the last time he saw his father was during a fishing trip in March, just a few days before his father went missing.
“He seemed to be in great spirits,” Wen Hou shared with KTLA. “He caught a lot of fish, was with friends, and seemed very happy.”
The family of Naiping Hou is offering a $250,000 reward as police investigate his suspicious disappearance involving identity theft and impersonation. (findnaipinghou.com)
But weeks later, subtle changes raised alarm.
“[Always saying] he’s tired or he’ll call me later, just reasons that were strange,” he said. “He had very short responses and didn’t share photos anymore.”
Wen Hou said the moment it truly set in came when his father stopped answering calls altogether and sent an unusually cold message on his birthday.
“It’s surreal to think someone could be impersonating my dad through text,” he previously told KABC.
The family said that’s when they realized something was seriously wrong and grew deeply concerned for his safety.
When friends went to check on Hou’s home in early May, they found it had been completely cleared out.
The family of Naiping Hou, a missing man from Rancho Cucamonga, fears his disappearance is linked to their cryptocurrency success after more than $1 million was drained from his accounts. (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office)
“Something really bizarre is going on,” Wen Hou said. “The place was completely cleared out. No people, no vehicles, not even garbage left behind.”
Investigators later confirmed “extensive fraudulent activity” in Hou’s bank accounts around the time of his disappearance. More than $1 million was drained through unauthorized transactions, including purchases of gold and cryptocurrency.
“His money was also gone,” Wen Hou said. “Funds were being transferred out to purchase gold online. He’s not tech-savvy at all, so I don’t know how he could’ve done any of that himself.”
Authorities say Hou’s vehicles were also sold and there was an apparent attempt to rent out his home.
Hou’s wife was out of the country visiting family in China at the time he vanished and received unusual messages from his phone, including one suggesting she delay returning home.
While investigators have not confirmed a motive, the family has told KABC they fear Hou may have been targeted because of their financial success in cryptocurrency. Wen Hou is a hedge fund executive who has invested heavily in the space.
“I miss him dearly,” Wen Hou said. “He’s always been a guiding presence in my life.”
“We’re really worried, and we really want my dad back,” he added.
Hou is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 170 pounds, with dark hair and a birthmark on his upper left shoulder. He also has a surgery scar on his lower back. He has not been seen or heard from since March 2025.
Investigators are seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris in connection with Naiping Hou’s disappearance in San Bernardino County. (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators are also seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris believed to be connected to the case.
The Hou family has launched a dedicated website to raise awareness, share photos and collect tips. The site includes a video message in which Wen Hou makes an emotional plea for his father’s safe return.
A reward of up to $250,000 is being offered for information leading to Hou’s safe return or the arrest of those responsible.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.
