Date of Birth: June 6, 2024
Missing Since: February 14, 2025
Missing From: Woodside, California, USA
Abducted By: Elizabeth Vila Honkanen (Mother, Non-Custodial Parent, warrant out for arrest)
Supected Location: Philippines (Possibly Manila or surrounding areas ). Possibly UAE
A protective order (restraining order) bars Elizabeth Honkanen from any contact with Charlotte or me until March 11, 2030, based on her documented history of abusive behavior.
DoJ missing persons page A Father's Plea:
My daughter, Charlotte, was abducted from our home in California by her mother, Elizabeth Vila Honkanen, a non-custodial parent with an extensively documented history of manipulation, deception, abuse, and criminal behavior. This is an ongoing criminal case—not a custody dispute. I am Charlotte's sole legal and physical custodian as determined by the Superior Court of California, San Mateo County. Elizabeth explicitly signed agreements multiple times to abide by this court’s jurisdiction and rulings, yet chose deceitful legal actions, which ultimately failed.
Charlotte was born in California and lived exclusively there until her abduction. Before abducting Charlotte, Elizabeth abandoned her with me for five weeks, explicitly stating she did not want her, and then demanded more money than make ($25,000k a month) in exchange for allowing me to keep Charlotte. When Elizabeth returned, I insisted on stability and safeguards for Charlotte’s well-being and was forced to file an emergency custody order—not initially to remove Elizabeth’s parental rights, but to ensure stability, and establish necessary safeguards amidst an increasingly erratic and unpredictable situation marked by escalating hostility and concerning behavior from Elizabeth. Throughout this process, I attempted to establish a workable parenting plan, amicably separate from Elizabeth, and secure necessary help for her. In retaliation, Elizabeth almost immediately initiated false accusations against me, which were investigated thoroughly and resulted in no charges. Ultimately, Elizabeth’s continued escalation forced the court to grant me sole custody to protect Charlotte’s welfare.
Facing imminent exposure through a court-ordered forensic psychological evaluation, which she strenuously opposed in court, Elizabeth violated a restraining order restricting Charlotte to the Bay Area and abducted her. On February 11, 2025, she forcibly removed my household safe—a safe to which she had no authorized access—broke into it, stole critical documents including Charlotte’s U.S. passport, birth certificate, over $10,000 in cash, and family valuables. Elizabeth then fled California, driving into Mexico before taking a chartered flight to Beijing, deliberately evading authorities and ultimately entering the Philippines.
Elizabeth was initially arrested by Philippine authorities but secured her release by falsely portraying herself as a victim fleeing abuse, claiming to be Filipino and "returning home." This is a blatant manipulation of Philippine law, similar to tactics she previously attempted with her older child. Elizabeth grew up in the United States, spent most of her adulthood in Finland and the UAE, and then lived six years in the UK prior to moving to California. Her recent claims of Filipino nationality and residency are entirely fabricated to exploit jurisdictional loopholes. Charlotte remains trapped in an ongoing harmful environment, partially due to delays and coordination challenges between U.S. and Philippine authorities
Elizabeth Honkanen’s Dangerous Pattern of Escalation:
Elizabeth has consistently demonstrated an alarming willingness and ability to escalate conflicts without limits. She previously abducted her older son internationally to evade UK courts and systematically alienated his father through calculated legal manipulations. Elizabeth admitted to police that she harassed her former partner, using multiple fake social media accounts to publicly defame him, doxed his financial information, sent threats from numerous burner phones to his family, tracked his movements, and actively sought to destroy his professional reputation. Her actions clearly indicate an absence of empathy and a dangerously self-serving personality. Elizabeth is extremely convincing; I initially fell for her narrative, mistakenly believing her former partner was dangerous, and even assisted her with relocating internationally. Since finding him through a private investigator after Elizabeth’s actions escalated against me, I now clearly recognize her former partner and son as victims of Elizabeth’s deception and manipulation. Charlotte’s ongoing exposure to this behavior presents an immediate and profound risk.
While Elizabeth herself may be a childhood trauma survivor, this devastating cycle of trauma must end with Charlotte. My amazing little girl (like every child) deserves safety, stability, and love—free from the chaos and harm Elizabeth creates.
My Commitment:
Inspired by my own mother’s extraordinary example, I am determined to provide Charlotte with the secure, nurturing environment every child deserves. My mother taught me that caring for your child is life’s highest responsibility—you build your life around supporting your kid... no matter what, It’s that simple. Mahal na mahal ko ang anak ko nang buong puso. Tulungan niyo po akong maprotektahan siya.
Current Efforts and Bureaucratic Challenges:
The U.S. State Department explicitly clarified that the Hague Abduction Convention does not apply between the U.S. and the Philippines. Despite this, a Philippine judge advised us to file Hague documentation, creating confusion and further delays. The State Department recommended pursuing custody recognition, standard court procedures, and engaging law enforcement—avenues I've pursued diligently and relentlessly for over three months without substantive progress or meaningful intergovernmental support.
Philippine authorities have faced significant challenges receiving timely, actionable documentation and coordinated assistance from U.S. authorities, complicating effective enforcement of my sole custody rights, the existing protective orders to safeguard Charlotte, and Elizabeth’s outstanding felony warrant. Elizabeth remains unlocatable, free to flee to yet another non-Hague jurisdiction like Qatar, further endangering Charlotte.
Challenges and Critical Risks:
- Jurisdictional Stalemate: U.S. and Philippine authorities remain challenged by complex jurisdictional coordination, delaying active collaboration and the sharing of necessary documentation.
- Risk of Further Flight: Elizabeth’s established pattern of international evasion and escalating behavior indicates that any attempt at standard custody enforcement or voluntary surrender is likely to prompt another flight. This not only jeopardizes Charlotte’s safety but also underscores the critical need for immediate, decisive intervention.
- Severe Personal Strain: The emotional, financial, and physical toll of pursuing Charlotte’s safe return is immense and unsustainable, diminishing my future ability to care effectively for her upon recovery.
URGENT CALL FOR ACTION:
This international abduction crisis requires immediate specialized intervention and proactive governmental action. Charlotte and I are victims of serious crimes—not participants in a custody dispute. We urgently need influential individuals or officials who can help accelerate coordination, enhance intergovernmental cooperation, and focus critical attention on Charlotte’s situation in both the United States and the Philippines.
Intervention must recognize the necessity of Charlotte’s immediate physical rescue. Elizabeth’s documented history of escalating behavior clearly indicates that any voluntary surrender or standard custody exchange will only lead to further evasion, placing Charlotte at even greater risk.
The prolonged fight to recover Charlotte has entirely depleted my personal resources, leaving me financially and emotionally exhausted. While financial assistance is not requested, the critical need is for pro-bono specialized support, swift political advocacy, expert legal guidance, and active collaboration from U.S. and Philippine authorities to expedite Charlotte’s immediate and safe return, breaking the harmful cycle Elizabeth perpetuates.
If you can help directly, know anyone who fits this description, or can proactively reach out and bring this emergency to the attention of influential contacts or officials—please do so. Your voice and actions could significantly impact Charlotte’s safety and future.
Legal Status (U.S.):
- Sole Custody: Scott Moran (San Mateo County, California)
- Restraining Order Protecting Charlotte from Elizabeth: No contact until March 11, 2030.
- Active Felony Warrant: Elizabeth Vila Honkanen for child abduction (PC §278.5) and contempt of court (PC §166(a)(4)). Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please if you have any way to help, reach out or share with someone who can.
-Scott Moran
Direct Contact (Scott Moran - Father):
- U.S. Phone: (+1) 484-723-9457
- Philippines Phone: (+63) 952-479-4000
- Email: jsbmoran@gmail.com
For detailed legal documentation, evidence, or official inquiries, please contact Scott Moran directly for secure access.