Chinese student found in US woods after ‘cyber kidnapping’ scam

This handout photo released by the Riverdale Police Department on Jan 1, 2024 shows authorities speaking to Kai Zhuang near the site where he was found in the mountains near Brigham City, Utah, on Dec 31, 2023, after being reported missing. — Riverdale Police Department/AFP

LOS ANGELES: A Chinese exchange student who fell victim to a “cyber kidnapping” scam in which his parents were extorted for US$80,000 (RM368,280), was found alive but “cold and scared” in a tent in the Utah wilderness, police said.

Kai Zhuang, age 17, was reported missing on Dec 28 after his parents in China told officials at his host high school in Riverdale, Utah that he appeared to have been kidnapped and a ransom had been requested.