A Chinese foreign exchange student, Kai Zhuang, was discovered freezing but alive in the US after falling victim to a “cyber kidnapping” scam where his parents were extorted out of tens of thousands of dollars. Riverdale Police found 17-year-old Zhuang “very cold and scared” in a tent in rural Utah.
Zhuang is believed to have isolated himself under the influence of the kidnappers, who manipulated him. His parents, deceived by the scheme, ended up paying around $80,000 (£62,600). Riverdale Police noted that Zhuang is one of several foreign students recently targeted by cyber kidnappers in the US.
The police suspect that Kai was being controlled by the kidnappers as early as 20 December, as officers in Provo, Utah, observed him carrying camping equipment. Concerned for his safety, the officers arranged for him to return to Riverdale, where he lived with a host family. During this encounter, Kai did not mention any threats.
On 28 December, the school Kai attended contacted the police after being informed by his parents in China. Kai’s parents had received a ransom demand and a picture of their son, indicating that he was abducted.
In cyber kidnapping cases, victims are coerced into isolating themselves and taking pictures to create the appearance of being held captive, despite the kidnappers not physically present. The victim is then monitored through Facetime or Skype, and both the victim and their families are convinced that harm will occur if they do not comply.
Although the kidnappers were not physically with Kai, Utah police expressed concern for his safety due to the December temperatures, which posed a risk of him “freezing to death overnight.”
Kai was checked for hypothermia after being found on Sunday
Kai was ultimately located approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of Riverdale, near Brigham City, in a tent without a heat source on Sunday. In his makeshift shelter, he had minimal food and water, a heat blanket, and a sleeping bag.
Additionally, several phones were discovered, leading the police to suspect their involvement in the execution of the kidnapping.
After being rescued, Kai, who underwent a check for hypothermia, expressed a desire for a “warm cheeseburger” and requested to speak with his family.