Chinese student found after cyber kidnapping scam

 A Chinese exchange student who fell victim to a cyber kidnapping scam has been found alive in the wilderness of Utah after his parents were extorted for $80000. The 17-year-old, Kai Zhuang, went missing after his parents in China alerted his host high school in Riverdale, Utah, about the kidnapping and the ransom demand. 

The case followed a typical cyber kidnapping pattern, where perpetrators instruct victims to isolate themselves and send pictures as if they were being held captive. These photos are then used to extort money from the victim’s family. The victims tend to comply under the belief their family will be harmed if they don’t go along with the scam.

Through an extensive investigation involving bank records, purchases, and phone ping records, the police located Kai in a tent approximately 25 miles north of Riverdale, near Brigham City. The authorities were concerned for his safety due to the cold weather in Utah at this time of year.

Eventually, a sergeant hiking on foot discovered Kai’s tent, which lacked a heat source but contained essential supplies such as a heat blanket, a sleeping bag, limited food and water, and several phones presumed to be used for the cyber kidnapping scheme. While Kai was found alive, he was described as cold and scared.

After being rescued, Kai expressed a desire for a warm cheeseburger and to speak with his family. Unfortunately, his family had already paid $80000 to bank accounts in China during the scam. The local police department collaborated with the FBI, the US embassy in China, and Chinese officials to locate the missing teenager.

Riverdale police noted that cyber kidnappers have been increasingly targeting foreign exchange students, particularly those from China. In response to the incident, the Chinese embassy in Washington warned its citizens in the US to be cautious regarding virtual kidnapping and other forms of telecom and online fraud.