Virtual kidnappings warning for Chinese students in Australia

Yash Sapra, INN/Delhi, @infodeaofficial

The elaborate virtual kidnapping is being used to extort money from the friends and relatives of Chinese students Down Under Australian police warned Monday after transnational scams were reported. Police said that common claiming To be Chinese authorities admitted had netted Millions of US dollars in ransoms by scaring students into faking their own kidnappings. The scammers often call in Mandarin and claiming To be from the Chinese Embassy police or consulate. Initially say the victim is accused of a crime in China or tell them their identity has been stolen before threatening them with deportation or arrest unless a fee is paid, stated the police.  the fraudsters then continued to threaten the victim often over encrypted message services until the transfer large sums into Offshore bank accounts.  In some cases, victims word told to cease contact with friends and relatives, then make videos of themselves tied up and blindfolded with the comment using the footage to demand ransoms. Police said at least eight cases have led 2 more than Australia $ 3 million  (the US $ 2.1  million)  in ransom payments this year in Australia. Other incidents have been detected elsewhere around the world and Australian Police said the scam had been developed considerably over the last decade to buy transnational organized crime syndicates. Victims are traumatized by what has occurred believing they have placed themselves and their loved ones in real danger,  New South Wales police assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell said.

Over 1000  Chinese authorities’ terms were recorded last year by Australia is consumer watchdog. Exiled  Chinese dissidents and members of persecuted ethnic groups have also reported harassment from Chinese authorities including threatening phone calls. Chinese officials said no authority would contract students on their mobile to demand money. The warning comes as the university sector attempts to lure back lucrative international Students online and prepare for any possible relaxation of virus travel restrictions. Education is Australia’s 4th largest trade behind iron, old coal and natural gas with more than 500000 international students enrolled last year bringing about Australia $ 37 billion into the economy. The closure of its borders to travelers due to the coronavirus pandemic has crippled the sector and heightened tensions with Beijing has further threatened the flow of students to the country. Last month China’s ministry of education warned students about multiple discriminatory incidents against Asians in Australia during the pandemic and discourage students from returning to the country when the borders reopened.