Naiping Hou, 74, of Rancho Cucamonga was last seen over four months ago, according to his family.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s investigators have recently confirmed they are investigating the missing person’s case, which could possibly be a kidnapping.
Hou’s family has also announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to his safe return, or the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for his disappearance.
‘Suspicious disappearance’
Sheriff’s officials stated the “suspicious disappearance” of Hou was first reported by family members on May 4, 2025.
However, Hou was last seen on March 18, according to his family, who reported him missing nearly two months later.
Sheriff’s officials said the delay in reporting Hou missing was because his wife and son were out of the country. Hou is a native of China, USA TODAY, reported.
During that time, his family text messaging with they believed was Hou, the sheriff’s department told USA TODAY.
The welfare check
On May 4, sheriff’s investigators conducted a welfare check at Hou’s home, his family said on a missing person’s website.
During the visit, police did not find Hou but did locate evidence indicating that “Naiping may have been kidnapped,” his family stated.
Authorities described Hou as an Asian man, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 170 pounds. He has black hair, black eyes, and a birthmark on his left upper shoulder.
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‘Extensive fraudulent transactions’
On July 9, sheriff’s officials shared additional information about the investigation, including detectives finding “extensive fraudulent transactions” using Hou’s bank accounts around the time of his disappearance.
Investigators also believe Hou’s cellular phone was used by someone or multiple individuals, who impersonated him as they communicated with his family.
Investigators are also seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris in connection with Hou’s disappearance.
Hou’s account drained of $1 million
His family claims there have been unauthorized sales of Hou’s vehicles, items gifted, and someone trying to rent his home.
His family stated that based on evidence found, those connected to his alleged kidnapping may have ties to Los Angeles and Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
“The suspects are believed to be using sophisticated and deceptive tactics and are considered highly dangerous,” Hou’s family wrote.
His son, Wen Hou, also created a video shared to the family’s site to ask for help finding his father.
“It took six weeks to discover my father was missing and the reason why it took so long is because whoever took him used his phone to impersonate him,” Wen Hou stated. “They drained about $1 million from my dad’s bank account. That was all his retirement savings. We’re very devastated and we’re deeply concerned for his safety.”
Hou has resided in the Rancho Cucamonga area for the last 20 years and was in “semi-retirement” when he disappeared, his family said.
Hou enjoys woodworking, playing ping pong at a local recreation center, and staying active, his family said.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Vanayes Quezada with the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4848. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or wetip.com.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: San Bernardino County man may have been kidnapped; family offering $250,000 reward
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
