Noodles and strange texts: Clues confound California investigators searching for missing grandfather

A package of handmade Chinese noodles delivered for Naiping Hou’s 74th birthday sat untouched on his front porch in early May, raising immediate concerns among family members. Typically, Naiping would have called or sent a photo to say thanks. This year, they got only a brief text message: “Yes, I receive it.”

The message was uncharacteristically curt, according to his son, Wen Hou, who had already been trying to reach his father by phone and text without success. Usually, Naiping would call and thank his family, Wen told the Los Angeles Times.

Weeks earlier, he had started texting with messages checking on his dad. The texts showed as “read,” but went unanswered until a brief response arrived the following morning, often making an uncharacteristic excuse why Naiping could not see his family.

Welfare check reveals missing person

The last known in-person contact between father and son occurred in early April, during a visit to Rancho Cucamonga. In March, the two reportedly spent a day on a short fishing trip, a way for them to relax and catch up. Wen described it as a quiet outing where they discussed family matters and plans for Naiping’s birthday.

On May 4, friends discovered Naiping’s home had been emptied of nearly all furnishings. Personal items, including family photographs and electronics, were missing. Someone hastily repainted the walls. They also found Naiping’s cars missing, with no sign of Naiping himself.

Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded and declared a suspicious disappearance and possible kidnapping.

Phone activity and financial fraud

Meanwhile, investigators determined that Naiping’s phone continued to send text messages in the days after he vanished. Text messages sent to his wife, who was in China at the time, instructed her to cancel her return flight, saying that he would meet her there. Another message claimed he had left California for a job opportunity, statements family members say were out of character.

According to the authorities, someone drained $1 million from Naiping’s accounts to purchase gold bars and cryptocurrency. Officials believe the suspects may have obtained access to Naiping’s financial and identity records before abducting him

Potential financial motive

Wen, a Las Vegas-based cryptocurrency hedge fund manager, believes his father’s disappearance may be linked to him.

The family has created a tip website, FindNaipingHou.com, and has offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to Naiping’s safe return. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate. Detectives are seeking information about individuals seen near Naiping’s home in the days surrounding his disappearance, as well as those who may have attempted to sell or transfer ownership of his vehicles.

Naiping is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a distinctive birthmark on his left shoulder. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vanayes Quezada at 909-890-4848.