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
DRAFT 2025 big stories | firstcoastnews.com

Preview 2025: Top Anticipated Stories to Watch on First Coast News

From catastrophic natural events to the Los Angeles Dodgers clinching their second…
Stars' goodbye to Mani including Liam, David Beckham and Paul Weller

Celebrities, including Liam Gallagher, David Beckham, and Paul Weller, Pay Tribute to Mani in Heartfelt Farewell

Today, a poignant farewell for Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the iconic Stone Roses…
The extravagant Christmas gifts the rich are buying

Inside the Luxurious Christmas Shopping Lists of the Wealthy

While some may find their stockings filled with $1 trinkets this holiday…
Russian general killed by car bomb, third senior military leader killed this year

Shocking Trend: Third Russian General Assassinated by Car Bomb in 2023

A high-ranking Russian general was killed in a car bombing in Moscow…
Chicago holiday travelers: Thousands of travelers going through O'Hare, Midway airports, roads as Christmas travel rush begins

Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Brace for Massive Holiday Travel Surge as Christmas Rush Kicks Off

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the festive season approaches, throngs of travelers hit…
Boys at her school shared deepfake nudes of her. After a fight, she was the one expelled

Outrage as Victim of Deepfake Harassment Faces Expulsion After School Fight

THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — At a Louisiana middle school, a group of…
Thousands of dollars worth of teaching equipment stolen from Minds of the Future Academy

Shocking Theft: Minds of the Future Academy Loses Thousands in Crucial Teaching Equipment Heist

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Minds of the Future Academy faced an unexpected…
Kilmar Abrego Garcia listens during a rally ahead of a mandatory check at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Baltimore, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, after he was released from detention on Thursday under a judge

Federal Judge to Rule on Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Potential Return to Immigration Custody

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — On Monday, a federal judge is set to…