{"id":289429,"date":"2026-04-28T07:40:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T07:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/289429\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T07:40:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T07:40:19","slug":"feds-enter-hunt-for-missing-california-grandpa-linked-to-crypto-fortune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/289429\/","title":{"rendered":"Feds enter hunt for missing California grandpa linked to crypto fortune"},"content":{"rendered":"

The FBI has joined the search for a missing Southern California<\/a> grandfather as authorities escalate what is now being treated as a kidnapping investigation tied to a troubling web of fraud, impersonation and possible targeting linked to cryptocurrency wealth.<\/p>\n

Nai Ping Hou, 74, vanished in March 2025 from his Rancho Cucamonga home and was reported missing weeks later on May 4.<\/p>\n

Federal officials<\/a> say possible foul play is suspected, noting Hou\u2019s bank accounts were depleted before law enforcement was even notified of his disappearance.<\/p>\n

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriff\u2019s Department initially described the case as a suspicious disappearance<\/a> but now say evidence points to a possible abduction.<\/p>\n

Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance Defies Fbi Kidnapping Trends Involving Elderly Victims<\/a><\/p>\n

Hou\u2019s son Wen Hou said the last time he saw his father was during a fishing trip<\/a> in March, just days before he disappeared.<\/p>\n

Read On The Fox News App<\/a><\/p>\n

“He was in a very good mood,” Wen Hou told KTLA.<\/a> “He caught a lot of fish. His friends were there, too. He was very happy.”<\/p>\n

‘America\u2019s Most Wanted’ Co-host Callahan Walsh Reveals What ‘Sticks Out’ To Him In Nancy Guthrie Case<\/a><\/p>\n

But weeks later, subtle changes raised alarm.<\/p>\n

“[Always saying] he\u2019s tired or he\u2019ll call me later, just reasons that were strange,” he said. “He had very short responses and didn\u2019t share photos anymore.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Man Who Put Up $100K To Find Nancy Guthrie Says Tipsters Should Skip The Sheriff And Call Crime Stoppers<\/a><\/p>\n

“It\u2019s surreal to think someone could be impersonating my dad through text,” he previously told KABC.<\/a><\/p>\n

The family said that\u2019s when they realized something was seriously wrong and grew deeply concerned for his safety.<\/p>\n

When friends went to check on Hou\u2019s home in early May, they found it had been completely cleared out.<\/p>\n

Border Protocols Automatically Triggered In Search For Nancy Guthrie, Retired Agent Says<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Naiping<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

(Fox News)<\/p>\n

“Something really bizarre is going on,” Wen Hou said. “The place was completely cleared out. No people, no vehicles, not even garbage left behind.”<\/p>\n

Investigators later confirmed “extensive fraudulent activity” in Hou\u2019s bank accounts around the time of his disappearance. More than $1 million was drained through unauthorized transactions, including purchases of gold and cryptocurrency<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“His money was also gone,” Wen Hou said. “Funds were being transferred out to purchase gold online. He\u2019s not tech-savvy at all, so I don\u2019t know how he could\u2019ve done any of that himself.”<\/p>\n

Got A Tip?<\/a><\/p>\n

Authorities say Hou\u2019s vehicles were also sold and there was an apparent attempt to rent out his home.<\/p>\n

Hou\u2019s wife was out of the country visiting family in China<\/a> at the time he vanished and received unusual messages from his phone, including one suggesting she delay returning home.<\/p>\n

Follow Us On X<\/a><\/p>\n

While investigators have not confirmed a motive, the family has told KABC they fear Hou may have been targeted because of their financial<\/a> success in cryptocurrency. Wen Hou is a hedge fund executive who has invested heavily in the space.<\/p>\n

“I miss him dearly,” Wen Hou said. “He\u2019s always been a guiding presence in my life.”<\/p>\n

Get Breaking News By Email<\/a><\/p>\n

“We\u2019re really worried, and we really want my dad back,” he added.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Click Here For More Us News<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Silver<\/p>\n

Investigators are seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris in connection with Naiping Hou\u2019s disappearance in San Bernardino County.<\/p>\n

Investigators are also seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris believed to be connected to the case.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s safe return.<\/p>\n

Click Here To Download The Fox News App<\/a><\/p>\n

A reward of up to $250,000 is being offered for information leading to Hou\u2019s safe return or the arrest of those responsible.<\/p>\n

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff\u2019s Department or the FBI.<\/p>\n

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