The family of Hannah Kobayashi confirms it turned over evidence to police that indicate she may have been involved in an immigration scam involving a phony marriage.
However, the family emphasizes it has not confirmed the legitimacy of the documents the mother reportedly found in her daughter’s room.
Los Angeles Magazine reports that sources tell it Kobayashi was somehow duped into the scheme and ended up getting scammed out of her money. The report indicates her former partner came up with the idea and left Maui with Hannah on November 8.
Also reportedly on the plane were Kobayashi’s new husband, Alan Cacace as was Cacace’s girlfriend only identified as Marianna.
A statement released on behalf of the family Monday night read “The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage. This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team. We would also like to confirm that we turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.”
The statement went on to urge people to stop speculating on what happened or about any possible scams as “this only hinders our efforts to find Hannah.”
This information comes after police say it obtained video evidence of Kobayashi crossing into Mexico voluntarily. Police stated they do not believe she is in danger or the victim of foul play.
The family expressed frustration, according to NBC LA, that authorities have stopped actively searching for her and have demanded that it show them this new surveillance video.
“Now that she’s there, it feels like they’re kind of washing their hands clean of the situation,” said Hannah’s sister, Sydni Kobayashi.
Kobayashi’s family has since hired a private investigator to assist in the search.
In another bizarre twist, the Daily Mail reports that members of the public have been flooding her Venmo account with donations telling Hannah to enjoy Mexico.
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