A Chinese student who went missing in Utah last week has been found alive, and authorities believe he was targeted by cyber kidnappers.
Kai Chuan, 17, was found Sunday in a tent in the mountains near Brigham City, “alive but very cold and scared.” KSL reported this, citing Riverdale Police..
Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren said in a statement that Kai was in a tent with only a heat blanket, sleeping bag, limited food and water, and several phones believed to have been used in the kidnapping. .
Warren said Cai was “manipulated and controlled” by “cyber kidnappers” who made her believe her family in China was under threat.
KSL noted that after the boy's parents received a ransom note and photos showing that Kai may have been kidnapped, they paid $80,000 into a Chinese bank account, citing abuse from the kidnappers.
Police were called to the host family's home on Friday, but Kai was officially reported missing, saying they did not know he was missing.
According to police, the suspect Kai actually left the house alone. ABC4 reported.
The ensuing investigation drew resources from the Riverdale Police Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Embassy in China, KSL added.
Authorities believe the boy may be self-isolating in Brigham City Canyon based on bank records, recent shopping and phone records, and after noting an incident that left Provo police concerned for the boy's well-being as he tried to set up a campsite. the outlet explained.
The FBI also notified local authorities of other recent cyber kidnappings targeting Chinese students.
According to police, after Kai was found, he spoke with his family in China and was able to confirm that he was safe.
According to KSL, he was treated to a hot cheeseburger on his way to the Riverdale Police Department.
The Riverdale Police Department did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment about the incident.
