Chinese Exchange Student Rescued After Being Targeted in Cyber Kidnapping

Riverdale, Utah - A Chinese exchange student who disappeared last week has been found alive in what authorities are calling an international "cyber kidnapping." Kai Zhuang, 17, was discovered by search teams on Sunday in a wooded area, where he had been isolating himself at the direction of his captors. According to a press release issued by Riverdale City Police Chief Casey Warren, Zhuang was found "alive but very cold and scared."

Zhuang had been living with a host family in Riverdale when he was reported missing on December 28. His parents in China contacted his high school with a photograph that indicated he had been abducted. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $80,000, prompting an investigation by local authorities and the FBI.

The FBI briefed Riverdale police on a disturbing criminal trend known as cyber kidnapping, which has been targeting foreign exchange students, particularly those from China. The cyber kidnappers threaten the students and their families, demanding ransom and instructing them to isolate themselves. They monitor the victims through Facetime calls and/or Skype, and coerce them into taking photos that make it appear they are being held captive. The victims comply out of fear for their families' safety.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Zhuang had already been under the control of the cyber kidnappers for eight days before he vanished. They traced bank records and cellphone pings, as well as an unexplained purchase of camping equipment. Police also looked into a recent incident in Provo, about 70 miles away, where concerned officers intervened when they spotted someone setting up a campsite. It was later determined that the individual was Zhuang.

Based on these leads, search teams were deployed to the Brigham City Canyon area, where Zhuang's tent was eventually found by a Riverdale PD sergeant who was hiking in the search area. Zhuang expressed relief upon seeing the police and was immediately provided with the requested warm cheeseburger. He was then taken back to the Riverdale Police Department, where he was able to speak to his family in China and assure them of his safety.

Riverdale City Police Chief Casey Warren emphasized the importance of trust between foreign exchange students and the police, urging them to work together to ensure their safety and the safety of their families. The investigation into the cyber kidnapping is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Riverdale City PD officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on the case.