Serialously with Annie Elise: Episode 223 Summary

Episode Title: The Truth About Hannah Kobayshi: Love Triangle Scam, She's Refusing to Leave Mexico & The Shocking Twist
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Host: Annie Elise
Produced by: 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios

Introduction & Case Overview

In Episode 223 of Serialously with Annie Elise, host Annie Elise delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Hannah Kobayshi, a 30-year-old photographer from Maui, Hawaii. Described as an engaging and conversational exploration, Annie unpacks the complex layers surrounding Hannah's case, characterized by alleged scams, suspicious behavior, and a shocking familial tragedy.

Timeline of Events

November 8, 2024
Hannah Kobayshi planned a trip from Maui to New York City for a photography gig and to visit relatives. She was traveling with her ex-boyfriend, with whom she had an amicable relationship post-breakup. The flight included a layover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

November 8, 2024 – LAX Incident
Upon arrival in LAX, Hannah missed her connecting flight to New York while her ex-boyfriend successfully boarded. (00:10)

• Hannah’s Text (00:45): "I missed my boarding call, going to sleep at the airport overnight."

The following day, Hannah did not rebook her flight as promised. Instead, her text messages indicated unexpected leisure activities in Los Angeles, such as visiting The Grove and downtown LA.

Unusual Behavior & Financial Transactions

• Venmo Transactions (01:30):
  • 6:25 PM: Sent money to Veronica Almandarez with emojis "📦🏹".
  • 7:19 PM: Sent money to Jonathan Taylor with the memo "reading".
    These transactions were with individuals unknown to her family, raising suspicions of financial manipulation or scam involvement.

November 10-11, 2024
Hannah attended an event at the Nike store in The Grove, confirmed by surveillance footage and her Instagram posts. However, by November 11, she ceased communication, her phone was last active at LAX, and she failed to board her flight to New York, instead retrieving her lost suitcase.

Theories & Speculations

Annie explores several theories based on Hannah's erratic behavior and the evidence:

1. Identity Theft & Scamming:

   • Hannah’s Texts (Various): "Deep hackers wiped my identity..." (03:15)
     Suggesting she may have fallen victim to identity theft or a financial scam.

2. Cult Involvement:

   • Allegations she might have joined a cult or been influenced by "twin flames" ideologies, leading to loss of autonomy.

3. Trafficking or Abduction:

   • The absence of immediate signs pointed towards possible foul play or human trafficking, although no concrete evidence supported this.

4. Immigration Scam:

   • A theory emerged suggesting a secret marriage to Allen Kakosuke for US citizenship benefits, potentially entangling Hannah in a larger immigration fraud scheme.

Familial Tragedy

November 24, 2024
Hannah's father, Ryan Kobayshi, was found dead near LAX. The initial ambiguity surrounding his death fueled rumors that it might be connected to Hannah’s disappearance. However, authorities confirmed it was a suicide, exacerbated by the stress of his daughter's missing status. (15:45)

• Ryan’s Quote (16:30): "I'm trying to make up. I'm trying to get her back."

Police Investigation & Public Reaction

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) conducted extensive investigations, including surveillance reviews and collaboration with federal agencies. By November 26, the LAPD classified Hannah as a voluntary missing person, believing she intentionally missed her flight and left the country to "disconnect from the world."

Despite the official stance, Hannah's sister, Sydney Kobayashi, expressed skepticism, maintaining belief in her sister’s endangered status due to inconsistent behaviors and the timing of her father's death. (25:10)

Media Theories & Conspiracy Theories

An article by Los Angeles Magazine proposed that Hannah was involved in a green card immigration scam, marrying Allen Kakosuke to secure US residency. This claim suggested intricate connections between Hannah’s ex-boyfriend, Allen's girlfriend, and the financial transactions observed earlier. However, colleagues contradicted this, noting Hannah's lack of secrecy and her transparent plans for the trip. (34:50)

Resolution & Shocking Twist

December 2, 2024
The LAPD announced that Hannah had been found safe. Her family released a statement expressing relief but requested privacy during their healing process. (48:20)

However, further complications arose when the Daily Mail published allegations linking her disappearance to the aforementioned immigration scam. Additionally, Hannah's family revealed that she was in Mexico but refusing to return to Maui, intensifying questions about her true intentions and the nature of her disappearance. (52:10)

Family’s Current Stance & Ongoing Questions

Sydney Kobayashi and the family's attorney, Sarah Azari, voiced continued doubts about Hannah's voluntary disappearance. Sydney emphasized Hannah's character and the improbability of her leaving without a trace willingly. The family disputes the police's conclusions, suspecting continued manipulation or coercion. (60:35)

Key unresolved questions include:

• Hannah’s True Intentions: Why did she choose Mexico, and what led her to sever ties abruptly?
• Involvement of Others: The role of Allen Kakosuke and his girlfriend remains unclear.
• Family Dynamics: The strained relationship between Hannah and her father prior to his death adds another layer of complexity.

Conclusion

Annie Elise wraps up the episode by acknowledging the myriad of unanswered questions surrounding Hannah Kobayshi’s disappearance and subsequent discovery. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the profound impact such events have on families and warns against jumping to conclusions without substantial evidence. The case remains a poignant example of the challenges in unraveling the truth behind voluntary disappearances intertwined with possible scams and personal struggles.

Notable Quotes:

• Annie Elise on Missing Flight (00:10): "Hannah never did. She never got on the flight from Los Angeles to New York."

• Hannah’s Text (03:15): "Deep hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds..."

• Ryan Kobayshi (16:30): "I'm trying to make up. I'm trying to get her back."

• Sydney Kobayashi (60:35): "Hannah would have definitely reached out by now. There's no way that she wouldn't have reached out knowing the person that she is."

Final Thoughts:

Episode 223 presents a labyrinthine narrative of disappearance, familial heartbreak, and societal speculation. Annie Elise masterfully navigates through the convoluted aspects of Hannah's case, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding while fostering engagement through critical questioning and open-ended conclusions.

Stay Connected:

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