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Feds enter hunt for missing California grandpa linked to crypto fortune

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The FBI has joined the search for a missing Southern California grandfather as authorities escalate what is now being treated as a kidnapping investigation tied to a troubling web of fraud, impersonation and possible targeting linked to cryptocurrency wealth.

Nai Ping Hou, 74, vanished in March 2025 from his Rancho Cucamonga home and was reported missing weeks later on May 4.

Federal officials say possible foul play is suspected, noting Hou’s bank accounts were depleted before law enforcement was even notified of his disappearance.

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department initially described the case as a suspicious disappearance but now say evidence points to a possible abduction.

NANCY GUTHRIE’S DISAPPEARANCE DEFIES FBI KIDNAPPING TRENDS INVOLVING ELDERLY VICTIMS

Hou’s son Wen Hou said the last time he saw his father was during a fishing trip in March, just days before he disappeared.

“He was in a very good mood,” Wen Hou told KTLA. “He caught a lot of fish. His friends were there, too. He was very happy.”

‘AMERICA’S MOST WANTED’ CO-HOST CALLAHAN WALSH REVEALS WHAT ‘STICKS OUT’ TO HIM IN NANCY GUTHRIE CASE

But weeks later, subtle changes raised alarm.

“[Always saying] he’s tired or he’ll call me later, just reasons that were strange,” he said. “He had very short responses and didn’t share photos anymore.”

Wen Hou said the moment it truly set in came when his father stopped answering calls altogether and sent an unusually cold message on his birthday.

MAN WHO PUT UP $100K TO FIND NANCY GUTHRIE SAYS TIPSTERS SHOULD SKIP THE SHERIFF AND CALL CRIME STOPPERS

“It’s surreal to think someone could be impersonating my dad through text,” he previously told KABC.

The family said that’s when they realized something was seriously wrong and grew deeply concerned for his safety.

When friends went to check on Hou’s home in early May, they found it had been completely cleared out.

BORDER PROTOCOLS AUTOMATICALLY TRIGGERED IN SEARCH FOR NANCY GUTHRIE, RETIRED AGENT SAYS

“Something really bizarre is going on,” Wen Hou said. “The place was completely cleared out. No people, no vehicles, not even garbage left behind.”

Investigators later confirmed “extensive fraudulent activity” in Hou’s bank accounts around the time of his disappearance. More than $1 million was drained through unauthorized transactions, including purchases of gold and cryptocurrency.

“His money was also gone,” Wen Hou said. “Funds were being transferred out to purchase gold online. He’s not tech-savvy at all, so I don’t know how he could’ve done any of that himself.”

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Authorities say Hou’s vehicles were also sold and there was an apparent attempt to rent out his home.

Hou’s wife was out of the country visiting family in China at the time he vanished and received unusual messages from his phone, including one suggesting she delay returning home.

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While investigators have not confirmed a motive, the family has told KABC they fear Hou may have been targeted because of their financial success in cryptocurrency. Wen Hou is a hedge fund executive who has invested heavily in the space.

“I miss him dearly,” Wen Hou said. “He’s always been a guiding presence in my life.”

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“We’re really worried, and we really want my dad back,” he added.

Hou is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 170 pounds, with dark hair and a birthmark on his upper left shoulder. He also has a surgery scar on his lower back. He has not been seen or heard from since March 2025.

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Investigators are also seeking information about a silver Toyota Yaris believed to be connected to the case.

The Hou family has launched a dedicated website to raise awareness, share photos and collect tips. The site includes a video message in which Wen Hou makes an emotional plea for his father’s safe return.

A reward of up to $250,000 is being offered for information leading to Hou’s safe return or the arrest of those responsible.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.

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Four noncitizens charged with illegally voting in 2020, 2022 and 2024 federal elections in New Jersey

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Four noncitizens were charged with illegally voting in multiple federal elections and making false statements while applying for U.S. citizenship, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

According to criminal complaints filed in the District of New Jersey, each defendant allegedly cast ballots in at least one federal election, including the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.

“Four individuals have been charged with illegally voting in federal elections and making false statements applying for U.S. citizenship,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X. 

KANSAS MAYOR HIT WITH CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY VOTING AS NONCITIZEN IN SEVERAL ELECTIONS

“The individuals — all noncitizens — voted in elections including the 2020 Presidential election, 2022 midterms, and 2024 Presidential election cycles.”

Prosecutors identified the defendants as David Neewilly, 73, of Atlantic County; Jacenth Beadle Exum, 70, of Bergen County; Idan Choresh, 43, of Monmouth County; and Abhinandan Vig, 33, of Monmouth County.

They are accused of registering to vote in New Jersey while not U.S. citizens and falsely certifying their citizenship status on voter registration forms.

“This administration will not tolerate aliens who attempt to vote in our elections when they know they are not eligible,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. 

“As alleged, these green card holders lied in order to register to vote and then lied again to immigration authorities by falsely claiming never to have voted in a federal election.”

Blanche added the Justice Department “will use every authority to protect the integrity of U.S. elections.”

STATE CONSERVATIVES DEMAND ACTION ON NONCITIZEN VOTING: ‘TIME FOR CONGRESS TO LISTEN’

According to prosecutors, the defendants later falsely stated on naturalization applications that they had never registered or voted in federal elections.

“As alleged, the defendants broke federal law by voting in elections they were not eligible to participate in and then made false statements under oath to conceal that conduct,” U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said in a statement. 

“Today’s charges reflect this office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our election system and ensuring that those who attempt to circumvent both our voting laws and our naturalization process are held accountable.” 

Neewilly was charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and making false statements related to naturalization. He appeared April 22 before a U.S. magistrate judge in Camden.

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Choresh faces multiple charges, including voting by an alien in a federal election and unlawful procurement of citizenship. He appeared May 1 in Newark federal court.

Vig was charged with unlawful procurement of citizenship and appeared May 1 in Newark.

Beadle Exum faces charges of making false statements related to naturalization and unlawful procurement of citizenship. She also appeared May 1 in Newark.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department and FBI for comment.

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Palestinian soccer boss refuses to shake hands with Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress

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Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands or even stand beside Israel Football Association Vice President Basim Sheikh Suliman during a tense exchange at the FIFA Congress Thursday.

Both officials were invited to the stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but the Palestinian representative resisted efforts to bring him closer to his Israeli counterpart.

Infantino briefly placed a hand on Rajoub’s arm and gestured for him to step forward, but Rajoub did not comply.

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The Palestinian FA, led by Rajoub, has long pushed for Israel to be suspended from international soccer competition.

Rajoub defended his decision, saying he remains committed to formal processes but believes stronger action is needed.

“I still respect and follow the legal procedure, but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned. The double-standard policy should stop,” Rajoub said, according to The Times of Israel.

“I refused to shake hands. Sport is sport. … For me, that should be respected, but if the other side is representing a criminal like Bibi [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and speaking on behalf of Bibi as if Bibi is Mother Teresa, how can I shake hands or have a photo with such a man?

HS BASKETBALL COACH SUSPENDED AFTER HANGING UP PALESTINIAN FLAG, REFUSING TO SHAKE HANDS WITH JEWISH COACHES

“I think Gianni has the right to try to bridge gaps and bring people together, but I think maybe he does not understand or does not know the deep suffering of the Palestinian people.”

After the exchange, Infantino addressed the room, urging cooperation.

“We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters,” Infantino said.

Speaking just before the incident, Suliman emphasized the unifying role of the sport.

“In football, there is no place for politics,” Suliman said. “Everyone has the right to play and compete. We are teaching children values like respect, equality and love for others, and we hope that by the next time we meet, the situation will be better. We extend a hand to the Palestinian FA in the spirit of those shared values.”

UEFA was reportedly moving toward a vote to suspend Israel over the war in Gaza in September, but the motion was put on pause. 

Infantino announced no action would be taken against the team on Oct. 3 after a historic peace proposal by President Donald Trump and Netanyahu.

However, even after the peace proposal, Israeli sports teams have faced opposition and exclusion.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Father of teen allegedly killed by stepbrother on cruise says he can’t ‘relive’ trauma at murder trial

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The father of a teen allegedly slaughtered by her stepbrother on a cruise is skipping the June murder trial, saying he simply cannot “relive” the trauma of discovering the girl’s body in her cabin.

“Unless they ask for me to be there, neither my wife or I will be attending,” Christopher Kepner, 41, told the Daily Mail.

“I’ve heard all the evidence. I saw it for myself. They have everything they need. It’s going to be too painful to relive it all again.”

Kepner’s 16-year-old stepson, Timothy Hudson, is headed to trial June 1 in Miami federal court on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges in the Nov. 7 slaying. Timothy has pleaded not guilty.

CHEERLEADER WHO DIED ON CRUISE SHIP ‘FOUGHT FOR HER LIFE’ AS FEDS WEIGH POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR STEPBROTHER

In a harrowing account, Kepner described the moment his family vacation became a living nightmare.

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“I checked her pulse. I pulled her out from under the bed,” Kepner said. “I knew my daughter was dead long before the medical examiner got there. I don’t want to be back in that room.”

TEEN FOUND DEAD ON CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP DIED FROM MECHANICAL ASPHYXIATION, RULED HOMICIDE: REPORT

Authorities later ruled her death a homicide caused by “mechanical asphyxiation,” caused by “mechanical asphyxiation,” according to documents previously reviewed by Fox News Digital.

According to investigators, she was found under the bed in her cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets. The cabin was shared with her stepbrother.

ANNA KEPNER’S STEPBROTHER CHARGED AS ADULT WITH MURDER, SEXUAL ABUSE IN FLORIDA TEEN’S CRUISE SHIP DEATH

Now, the family is working to remember the 18-year-old cheerleader from Central Florida affectionately called “Anna Banana.”

“We are celebrating Anna by keeping it all about her and doing the things she liked,” Kepner said. “We want to remember Anna how she lived — and not how she died.”

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If convicted, the teen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

“I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. He does not need to be free. He does not need to be in the general public, around any kids or women in general,” Kepner previously said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Timothy Hudson’s attorney for comment.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said. “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

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