An unusual case has rattled California law enforcement: the sudden and unexplained disappearance of an 84-year-old man believed to be involved in cryptocurrency investments.
The man, whose name is being withheld for privacy, was last seen two weeks ago near his Riverside County home. Friends and neighbors reported him missing after he failed to show up to his weekly church group. What was initially treated as a routine missing persons case has now escalated into a high-profile investigation involving digital wallets, crypto exchanges, and possible online fraud.
Authorities say the man had recently become interested in cryptocurrency trading. Early evidence suggests he may have transferred large sums into crypto assets shortly before his disappearance. This prompted local police to reach out to cybercrime experts and the FBI, who are now actively supporting the investigation.
Digital Footprints and a Financial Puzzle
The man’s family told investigators he had been “excited” about a new investment opportunity promoted through a Telegram group. However, those same family members also said they were concerned about the legitimacy of the group and tried to warn him against sending money.
Investigators have since uncovered a series of transactions to various digital wallets, some routed through overseas exchanges. Detectives are now trying to determine whether the man was the victim of a crypto scam, or if foul play was involved in his disappearance.
“We’re working with blockchain analysts to trace where the funds went,” said Detective Maria Lopez. “The activity on his wallet right before he went missing is definitely suspicious.”
The case has sparked wider concern over the rising number of older adults getting targeted by sophisticated online crypto scams. A recent FBI report noted that Americans over 60 lost nearly $1 billion to online fraud in 2024—many of these scams involving crypto.
The man’s home showed no signs of forced entry or struggle. His car was found parked outside, and his mobile phone was left behind. However, his laptop and crypto hardware wallet are missing, raising more questions about what really happened.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the man’s whereabouts or his crypto dealings to come forward. In the meantime, law enforcement is intensifying efforts to follow the money trail and understand how the digital side of this mystery fits into the real-world disappearance.
This case serves as a chilling reminder that the crypto world, while full of opportunity, can also expose people—especially the elderly—to serious risks.