Utah police have disclosed that the recent disappearance of a Chinese exchange student, Kai Zhuang, in the state was the result of an international “cyber kidnapping.” The student was located by search teams on Sunday, described as being “alive but very cold and scared,” according to a press release from Riverdale City Police Chief Casey Warren on December 31.
The release outlined that Zhuang had been found in a wooded area, isolating himself in a tent as instructed by the kidnappers. Inside the tent, he had no heat source, only a heat blanket, a sleeping bag, limited food and water, and several phones believed to be used for the cyber kidnapping. The student, upon rescue, expressed a desire to speak with his family to ensure their safety and requested a warm cheeseburger.
Zhuang was reported missing on December 28 when his parents in China contacted his high school with a photo suggesting he had been abducted, accompanied by a ransom demand of $80,000. The FBI briefed Riverdale police on the concerning trend of “cyber kidnapping,” particularly targeting foreign exchange students, particularly those from China. The cyber kidnappers coerce victims to isolate themselves while monitoring them through video calls, convincing them to take photos appearing as if they are being held captive to be sent to their families, thus compelling compliance through fear of harm to their loved ones.
Upon investigating Zhuang’s residence, his host family claimed unawareness of his disappearance, with no signs of forced abduction. Investigators determined that Zhuang had been under the control of cyber kidnappers for eight days prior to his disappearance. Police delved into bank records, cellphone pings, and an unexplained purchase of camping equipment. An incident in Provo, about 70 miles away, where police intervened when spotting Zhuang attempting to set up a campsite, was also examined.
Following these leads, authorities focused their search in the Brigham City Canyon area, where a Riverdale PD sergeant discovered Zhuang’s tent while hiking up a mountainside. The ongoing investigation emphasizes the seriousness of cyber kidnapping targeting foreign exchange students, with Chief Warren urging students to trust the police for their protection and collaboration in ensuring safety both domestically and abroad. As of Monday, Riverdale City PD officials had not responded to The Daily Beast’s request for additional comments.
