FBI Probes Disappearance After $1M Spent on Gold, Crypto

Federal and local law enforcement are investigating the March 16, 2025 disappearance of Nai Ping Hou, who was last seen in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Authorities reported more than $1 million was withdrawn from his bank accounts and used to purchase gold and cryptocurrency before they were notified.

The FBI’s Most Wanted account on X posted: “The FBI and partner law enforcement agencies are investigating the suspicious disappearance of Nai Ping Hou. He has been missing since March 16, 2025, and was last seen in Rancho Cucamonga, California.”

Family members reported the withdrawals to investigators. Wen Hou, the missing man’s son, told investigators the purchases were unusual because his father was not experienced with online transactions.

Family members noted that texts from Hou changed after a March fishing trip, shifting from family-focused messages to brief replies saying he was tired, unavailable or would call later.

Friends who checked Hou’s Rancho Cucamonga home after his disappearance found the house empty, the lawn overgrown and handprints on the garage door. Wen reported furniture, vehicles and other personal items missing. Hou had been remodeling the home following a major water leak in January 2025 and had received contractor bids prior to his disappearance.

San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies searched the residence and examined areas including under floor tiles. Investigators are reviewing recent property and asset transactions tied to Hou, including alleged unauthorized vehicle sales, gifts of items and an attempted rental of the house.

The family has posted a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to Hou’s safe return or the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The family website states Hou was not located and that evidence indicated he may have been kidnapped, citing unexplained activity in his financial accounts and property.

No arrests have been announced. Investigators are tracing the flow of funds used to buy gold and cryptocurrency and working to identify who controlled Hou’s assets after March 16, 2025. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.