Another Chinese student extorted in so-called virtual kidnapping in Vancouver
Vancouver police say a student from China has fallen victim to a so-called virtual kidnapping scheme, the third reported in the city this year.
In a virtual kidnapping, Sgt. Jason Robillard says no one is being held against their will, but the victims are contacted by suspects claiming to be Chinese police, and convinced to assist with an investigation in that country.
In the latest case, Robillard says a woman was told she was implicated in a money laundering investigation in China and was threatened with arrest unless she transferred Chinese funds to cover police and court costs.
She paid through a Bitcoin automated teller machine, but continued to be threatened unless she sent more money and provided compromising photos.