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

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

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 released new information in the hopes of locating Naiping Hou, a 74-year-old resident of 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 Family offering a $250,000 reward as police investigate 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, adding that his father’s accounts were also used to buy cryptocurrency and large 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

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Man mauled to death by dogs in Lancaster, California was friend of owner, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department detectives say

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department report that a man fatally attacked by dogs in Lancaster, California, was a friend of the owner.

LANCASTER, Calif. — New details are emerging after a man was mauled…
Johnson takes victory lap as House gives megabill final passage

Mike Johnson urges Bondi to clarify her comments on Epstein, diverging from Trump

(The Hill) Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday that Attorney General Pam…
Opening statements begin for Colorado dentist accused of poisoning wife

Trial Begins for Colorado Dentist Accused of Poisoning His Wife

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) A case making national headlines with a lot…
Doctor pinpoints the washing machine setting needed to 'kill bugs'

Doctor Identifies the Best Washing Machine Setting to Eliminate Germs

If you think cleaning your clothes is as simple as tossing them…
DHS announces 'third country deportation flight' landed in Southern Africa's Eswatini

DHS announces ‘third country deportation flight’ landed in Southern Africa’s Eswatini

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A deportation flight carrying…
Mysterious 1,600-year-old settlement emerges from soil with rare Roman military finds

Ancient 1,600-Year-Old Settlement Discovered with Unique Roman Military Artifacts

Archaeologists have recently discovered an enigmatic site from the Roman era in…
DA slams justice system as 12-year-old charged with murder

DA Criticizes Justice System Over 12-Year-Old’s Murder Charge

() Sam Bregman, district attorney for Bernalillo County, has criticized the New…
Illegal migrant enters plea in crash that killed boy one day before his 12th birthday

Illegal migrant enters plea in crash that killed boy one day before his 12th birthday

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A woman who was…