"Rise in Cyber Kidnapping: Students Staged Abductions and Real Rescues Unfold"

A 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, Kai Zhang, was found in Utah after being the victim of a "cyber kidnapping" scam, where his parents paid $80,000 in ransom. This incident is part of a larger trend targeting Chinese students abroad, exploiting fears of deportation and visa issues. Authorities note an increase in cybercrime and human trafficking in Southeast Asia, with criminals using AI to enhance scams, including voice cloning. The case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the vulnerabilities of international students.