Summary
This classic episode of “48 Hours" explores the mysterious 2008 disappearance of Robert Wiles, the son of millionaire business owner Tom Wiles. On April 3, Tom opened an e-mail from his son Robert containing a ransom demand signed, “Group X”, and asked for Tom to put $750,000 in Robert’s office if he ever wanted to see his son alive again. Tom involved the FBI with the ransom note and they set up a sting operation in Robert’s office to try to find out who the kidnappers were. “48 Hours” correspondent Peter Van Sant reports. This "48 Hours" episode last aired on 1/5/13. Watch all-new episodes of “48 Hours” on Saturdays, and stream on demand on Paramount+.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Whether you're driving to work, cycling to a friend's place, or on the way to your |
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| 0:20.9 | on the go true crime. |
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| 0:40.1 | I can't imagine anything worse. Somebody has taken one of your children and is threatening |
| 0:48.1 | to kill them. When I opened the email, it scared the hell out of me. I found the ransom |
| 0:56.7 | to me and found the people who had taken Robert. We have Robert. If you hope to see him |
| 1:03.3 | alive again, you must follow our instructions without deviation. Do not speak about this |
| 1:09.2 | to anyone, including family. Tom had called me. He said, Pam, we have a problem. Robert |
| 1:18.7 | was kidnapped. Why? Why? Why? Why would someone take Robert? |
| 1:27.2 | My name is Robert Wiles and I'm from Toledo, Ohio. |
| 1:32.7 | Rob had a fierce, fierce, fierce love for life. My brother completely lit up when he was |
| 1:41.5 | on the water or flying. He was most certainly an adventurer. |
| 1:47.1 | He was very genuine. He was inspiring. Do not contact any authorities or private parties. |
| 1:56.1 | I first realized something was wrong when my mom called me. I just remember this wave |
| 2:01.9 | just hitting me of dread. It was just say I've never heard my mom talk like that before. |
| 2:07.2 | Do not go anywhere. Do not open your door. Something happened to your brother. |
| 2:12.5 | Obtain an item of luggage and place in it $750,000 in small, unmarked, untraceable bills. |
| 2:21.7 | It was scary. Are we safe? Is he safe? Who knows? These people could be coming after us, too. |
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