Chinese exchange student found in Utah mountains in suspected ‘cyber kidnapping’

A foreign student who went missing last week has been found, according to local authorities.

Student Kai Zhuang was staying with a host family in Riverdale, Utah, at the time of the incident. Riverdale police said they received a report of a kidnapping on Friday.

“Officers were contacted by the high school of a missing international student,” a Sunday press release from the Riverdale Police Department said.

“The high school informed Riverdale Police that they had been contacted by the victim's parents in China. The parents informed school officials that they had received photos showing that their child had been abducted and demanded a ransom.” ”

Cai's family told police they transferred about $80,000 to a Chinese bank account “due to continued threats from the kidnappers.”

Police said they believe Kai was “orphaned at the direction” of so-called cyber kidnappers and had been tipped off by the FBI about a case with a similar background to Kai's.

“Cyber ​​kidnappers are targeting foreign students, especially Chinese students,” the release said. “Kidnappers are threatening young foreign students and their families and demanding ransoms. They tell their victims to isolate and monitor them through Facetime calls and Skype.”

Kai was later found in a tent near Brigham City, Utah, “alive but very cold and frightened,” authorities said. His tent had no “heat source,” but it did have food, water, and a sleeping bag.

“We would like to inform the public regarding cyber kidnapping. If you are the target of a cyber kidnapping, please contact your local police department immediately,” the release states. “Please do not send money, cease contact with the suspect, and contact the police immediately.”