December 6, 2024—The disappearance of 30-year-old Hawaiian photographer Hannah Kobayashi has taken a perplexing turn amid allegations of her involvement in a fraudulent marriage scheme.
Background
Kobayashi, a Maui resident, vanished on November 11 after missing a connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) en route to New York City. Subsequent surveillance footage revealed her crossing into Tijuana, Mexico, alone and apparently unharmed.
Alleged Marriage Scam
Recent reports suggest that Kobayashi may have been entangled in a marriage scam with an Argentinian national named Alan Cacace. The pair, accompanied by Cacace’s girlfriend, Marianna, arrived at LAX together on November 8. Documents discovered in Kobayashi’s Maui residence indicate a possible marriage to Cacace, raising concerns about her potential victimization in an immigration fraud scheme.
Family’s Response
Kobayashi’s family has expressed skepticism regarding the authenticity of the alleged marriage. Their attorney, Sarah Azari, emphasized the importance of avoiding unverified claims, stating, “We want to stress that the family has not publicly announced any information regarding an alleged marriage because we did not have the facts or the necessary documents to verify the legitimacy of this information.”
Cryptic Communications
Prior to losing contact, Kobayashi sent unsettling messages to friends, describing an “intense spiritual awakening” and admitting she had been “tricked into pretty much giving away all my funds.” These communications have intensified concerns about her mental state and the circumstances leading to her disappearance.
Official Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has classified Kobayashi’s case as a voluntary disappearance, citing evidence of her deliberate border crossing and a desire to disconnect from modern technology. However, her family disputes this conclusion, fearing she may be in danger and urging the public to continue assisting in the search.
Amid the ongoing search, Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, tragically died by suicide near LAX on November 24. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and continues to seek answers regarding Hannah’s whereabouts.
As the investigation unfolds, the Kobayashi family remains hopeful for Hannah’s safe return ane with information to contact authorities.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official updates, please refer to statements from the Los Angeles Police Department and authorized agencies.
