Statement from the Los Angeles Police Department Regarding Hannah Kobayashi NR24328ma

LOS ANGELES: On December 1, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Missing Persons Unit (MPU) investigators traveled to the US/Mexico border where they viewed video surveillance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The footage clearly shows 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico. She was alone, with her luggage. At this time, Kobayashi's case has been classified as a voluntary missing person.

"Our priority is ensuring Ms. Kobayashi's safety and well-being," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said. "We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the US Embassy to let us know she is safe. She has the right to privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel. A simple message could reassure those who care about her."

Investigators conducted extensive witness interviews, reviewed video surveillance, and collaborated with local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Over the past several weeks, the MPU has been investigating the report of Kobayashi, who traveled on a pre scheduled flight to Los Angeles from Maui on Nov. 8, 2024. From November 8th to the 11th video footage and still imagery showed Hannah at various locations around Los Angeles. This information was subsequently verified by LAPD detectives.

For unknown reasons, she decided not to board her pre scheduled flight to New York. While she did check her bag through to New York, she requested her bag be sent back to her at LAX where we have surveillance footage of her retrieving it from the baggage carrousel on November 11th.

The investigation further revealed that Kobayashi knowingly departed Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Nov. 11, 2024, with her luggage and traveled to Union Station. While at Union Station, she used her passport to purchase a bus ticket for a destination near the Mexico border. On the morning of Nov. 12, 2024, she traveled by bus from Union Station to San Ysidro, California. Shortly after arriving in San Ysidro, she crossed the border into Mexico.

The case has attracted significant national media attention due to concerns about Kobayashi's lack of communication with friends and family and speculation about potential involvement in human trafficking or foul play. To date, the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play. She is also not a suspect in any criminal activity. Additionally, the investigators noted that before departing Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity.

The classification of Kobayashi as a voluntary missing person reflects a careful balance between respecting her right to privacy and the absence of concrete evidence indicating foul play. The LAPD remains mindful of privacy concerns while ensuring all investigative actions are conducted within the bounds of legal and ethical standards.

The LAPD investigation will not continue into Mexico. However, if Kobayashi returns to the United States, law enforcement will be notified. She is encouraged to contact law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico so officials can confirm her well-being. The missing person case will remain active in the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) until her safety is confirmed by law enforcement.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case may contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) LAPD-24-7 or (877) 527-3247. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at www.lacrimestoppers.org.