A Chinese exchange student who disappeared in Utah last week has been found alive and authorities believe he was targeted by cyber kidnappers.
Kai Zhuang, 17, was found Sunday inside a tent in the mountains near Brigham City, “alive but very cold and scared,” KSL reported, citing Riverdale city police.
Kai was in the tent with only a thermal blanket, a sleeping bag, and limited food and water, as well as several phones that were presumably used in the kidnapping, Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren said in a statement.
Kai was “manipulated and controlled” by “cyberkidnappers” who convinced him that his family in China was threatened, Warren explained.
The teen’s parents even paid $80,000 to bank accounts in China due to the kidnappers’ taunts after receiving a ransom note and a photo of Kai indicating he may have been kidnapped, KSL noted.
Kai was officially reported missing on Friday, when police went to the residence of his host family, who did not know he was gone.
According to police, Kai left the house alone, ABC4 reported.
The Kai Zhuang camp was discovered by a search team. Riverdale City Police via KSL Kai Zhuang, 17, was found Sunday inside a tent in the mountains near Brigham City. Riverdale city police officer Kai Zhuang lived in a tent with minimal supplies, police said. Riverdale City Police via KSL Authorities believe the teen was the target of cyber kidnappers. Riverdale City Police
The subsequent investigation brought together resources from the Riverdale Police Department, the FBI and the US Embassy in China, KSL added.
Through bank records, recent purchases and phone records, and after noting an incident in which Provo police were concerned about the teen’s well-being after he attempted to set up camp, authorities concluded he was likely self-isolating in the Brigham City canyon. , the media explained.
The FBI also informed local authorities of other recent cyber-kidnapping cases targeting Chinese exchange students.
After he was found, Kai was able to speak to his family in China and assure them he was safe, police said.
Searchers eventually determined the teen’s location in the snowy canyon. Riverdale City Police via KSL Police say Kai left of his own volition. Riverdale City Police
They also treated him to a hot cheeseburger on the way to the Riverdale Police Department, according to KSL.
The Riverdale Police Department did not immediately respond to the Post’s request for comment on the case.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn