Chinese Students in Australia Victims of ‘Virtual Kidnapping’ Scams, Millions Already Paid in Ransoms

Chinese Students in Australia Victims of ‘Virtual Kidnapping’ Scams, Millions Already Paid in Ransoms
People walk past signage for Australian universities in Melbourne's central business district on June 10, 2020, William West/AFP via Getty Images
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Scammers are capitalising on the fear Chinese people have of the Chinese Communist Party and are trapping international students in New South Wales (NSW) while forcing them to act out fake kidnappings to extort their parents.

NSW Police say that in 2020 alone they have had at least eight “virtual kidnappings” reported to them and the scams have netted millions in ransom money.

Daniel Y. Teng
Daniel Y. Teng
Writer
Daniel Y. Teng is based in Brisbane, Australia. He focuses on national affairs, including federal politics and Australia-China relations. Got a tip? Contact him at [email protected].
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