Kai Zhuang: Chinese teen found alive in US after 'cyber kidnapping'

Kai Zhuang, a Chinese foreign exchange student, was recently discovered alive in the United States following a 'cyber kidnapping' incident. His parents were deceived into paying a substantial sum of money, approximately $80,000, under the false pretense that their son had been kidnapped.

Kai was found in a rural area of Utah, in a tent, cold and frightened, as reported by the Riverdale Police. The 17-year-old had isolated himself, manipulated by the cyber kidnappers into believing he was in danger. The Riverdale Police have noted an increase in such incidents, with foreign students being the primary targets of these cyber kidnappers.

The police suspect that the kidnappers began controlling Kai as early as December 20, when he was spotted by officers in Provo, Utah, carrying camping gear. Concerned for his safety, the officers arranged for his return to Riverdale, where he resided with a host family. However, Kai did not mention any threats at that time. The police were later alerted on December 28 by Kai's school, after his parents in China informed the school officials of a ransom demand and a picture of their son, leading them to believe he had been abducted.