Man Kidnapped Near South Pasadena; FBI Offers Reward

SOUTH PASADENA, CA — The FBI is trying to locate a missing Santa Ana man who was kidnapped from San Gabriel Valley one month ago, officials reported Monday. Ruochen "Tony" Liao, 28, is a Chinese citizen employed by a luxury car dealership in Costa Mesa, FBI investigators reported in a press conference.

It is believed that he might have been involved in business dealings that were "not the most reputable," according to the FBI. He was possibly lured to a San Gabriel Valley shopping center in July on business, FBI special agent Gene Kowel said.

A man known only as "David" is possibly involved, or may know Liao's whereabouts, according to Kowel. David is approximately 6 feet tall, speaks Mandarin, and is somewhere between 35- and 40-years-old, according to the FBI. David was reportedly one of three men last seen with Liao on July 16 when he was seen entering a dark minivan at about 7:30 p.m. Three unidentified men were in the van, all of Chinese ethnicity, Kowel said, in the area of 140 W. Valley Blvd.

"Our hope is that Tony is still alive," Kowel said. The FBI is aware of the general location Liao is being kept, and they do not believe he has been harmed.

The FBI has released a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the recovery of Liao, they said. Liao's family has said that they are also offering $150,000 for information leading to his return, the family attorney Matthew Lomard said, adding, "He is deeply loved by his family and they're hoping for his safe return."

Photos courtesy FBI