RIVERDALE — A foreign exchange student who was reported missing last week was found alive by a detective in a wooded area outside of Brigham City, the Riverdale Police Department revealed in a statement Sunday.

Kai Zhuang, 17, had not been seen since 3:30 a.m. Thursday, and his family in China reportedly received a photo indicating a possible kidnapping, along with a ransom demand. Police subsequently made contact with his host family, who said they were unaware he was missing and reported having last seen him the previous night.

According to a police statement, Zhuang was “very cold and scared” when he was found by Sgt. Derek Engstrom; the teen only had a heat blanket, sleeping bag, limited food and water, and multiple phones in his tent.

Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren indicated that Zhuang was the victim of “cyber kidnappers” who made him believe his family’s safety was being threatened. Meanwhile, the family — who was led to believe that the teen was being held against his will — had paid approximately $80,000 amid threats from the supposed kidnappers.

During the course of the investigation, the FBI briefed police on a criminal trend in which exchange students are targeted and sometimes ordered to isolate themselves and take self-photos to create the appearance of a kidnapping.

The victims comply with those requests out of fear that their families will be harmed somehow by the cyber kidnappers.

After being found by Engstrom, Zhuang requested to speak with his family to make sure they were safe, Riverdale police said. He also wanted “a warm cheeseburger,” which the detective was able to provide during the trip back to Riverdale.

According to Riverdale police, there had been a previous interaction on Dec. 20 between Zhuang and officers in Provo, who were concerned when the teen attempted to set up a campsite. However, the teen did not disclose to officers that he was under duress. Riverdale police and his host family were not informed, either.

Zhuang ultimately was transported back to Riverdale at that time.

The camping gear that the teen had purchased in Utah County could not be found when his host family’s home was searched, Riverdale police said. That, combined with phone ping records and an analysis of bank records, helped police determine his potential whereabouts near Brigham City.

Police worked with the FBI, the U.S. Embassy in China and Chinese officials to investigate Zhuang’s disappearance.

Chinese exchange students have become victims in similar virtual kidnapping scams all over the world. In 2023, the Australian government reported an increased number of cases involving Chinese students attending universities in the country.

Riverdale officials have advised that anyone who becomes a target of cyber kidnapping should contact their local police immediately. Contact with the scammers should be discontinued and no money should be sent.

Newsletter