TAMPA, Fla. -- A case of kidnapping, ransom and a wealthy family seems like a plot from the movies, but it's playing out for real in Central Florida.

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SLIDESHOW: Images Of Man Believed Being Held For Ransom
RAW VIDEO: Parents Make Emotional Plea To Find Missing Son
VIDEO REPORT: Family Gets Ransom Note After Son Disappears
TIPS: Contact The FBI At 1-866-838-1153

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Robert Wiles, 26, grew up in Melbourne, but he was kidnapped in Polk County and his kidnappers likely have ties to Orlando. FBI agents told Eyewitness News on Friday that they're getting a lot of leads from the Orlando and Melbourne areas, where Robert went to school, and even from Thailand.

Going public Friday for the first time 24 days after he disappeared, the family expressed they need the public's help.

"He's a pilot, he's a diver, he's an athlete, he's a journeyman fisherman," said Tom Wiles, Robert's father.

Robert Wiles' parents are hoping the public will care about their son's disappearance almost as much as they do and that it will help bring him back to them.

"His family loves him and cares about him and we want him to come home. If anyone knows where he is, we need to speak to Robert," said Pam Wiles, the man's mother.

Robert was last seen April 1 at 6:30pm at his family's business, National Flight Services at the Lakeland Airport, where he works as a business development manager. Two days later, his parents found a ransom note and the FBI said they aggressively complied with the demands, but haven't heard a word since.

Friday, the FBI reached out to the kidnappers through the media.

"Rob's parents are asking that you contact them again. They have no way of knowing if you received their earlier acknowledgements and responses. Rob's parents are waiting for further instructions," said FBI Special Agent Dave Couvertier. "You should use the same name you used on the ransom note."

The FBI is focusing on a group of people. Agents said they're getting good information from the Orlando area, where Robert knows people, and from the Melbourne area, where he went to high school and to Florida Institute of Technology.

"Robert loves life, he loves nature and he believes in God," his mom said.

Robert Wiles' parents are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to their son's whereabouts.

One FBI agent told Eyewitness News he can't explain it, but said his agency's research shows the longer a situation goes on the better the chances are that the kidnapping victim is alive.

Robert Wiles is 5-foot-9, 165 pounds with hazel eyes. If you've seen him, contact the FBI at 1-866-838-1153 or call your local police.