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FBI Joins Probe Into Missing California Grandfather, Kidnapping Suspected

Investigators say the trail centers on large unauthorized purchases made after Hou vanished.

Overview

  • Federal agents are working with San Bernardino County sheriff’s detectives and now describe the disappearance as a possible abduction.
  • Investigators say Hou’s accounts were drained of more than $1 million through unauthorized buys of gold and cryptocurrency.
  • Family members received short, out-of-character texts from Hou’s phone, and officials believe someone impersonated him to keep relatives at bay.
  • Friends later found his Rancho Cucamonga home emptied and freshly repainted, with his vehicles gone and an apparent attempt to rent the property.
  • Authorities are seeking tips, including leads on a silver Toyota Yaris, while the family offers a $250,000 reward and runs a website to gather information.