Vancouver police are once again warning the public after another virtual kidnapping case in the city.
Officers are investigating the third reported case this year and say the elaborate extortion schemes have cost victims hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In the most recent case, a young woman in her early 20s from Mainland China, who is studying in Canada on a student visa, received a call from someone pretending to be a Chinese police officer. The call even appeared to come from an actual Chinese police phone number — a common practice used by fraudsters called “spoofing.”
The suspects convinced the woman that she had been implicated in a money laundering investigation in China and was required to transfer Chinese funds for police and court costs. She paid the money through a Bitcoin ATM.
In April the department warned the federal government about digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, being used to launder money.
The virtual kidnapping scheme didn’t end after the victim paid up.
“The suspects continued to threaten her with an arrest unless she paid additional money, and convinced her to provide them with compromising photos,” Vancouver police media relations officer Sgt. Jason Robillard said.
The photos were sent to her family via WeChat, a Chinese language social media app, along with ransom demands that made it look as though she had been kidnapped.
The woman’s family paid the ransom, clearing the remaining balance she was convinced she owed.
“These deplorable crimes are having a huge impact on these young, trusting students, and their families,” Robillard said. “We want to remind all foreign students that the Chinese police will not arrest you in Canada, and if you are confused or scared, please reach out to your local police department in Canada. We are here to help.”
He added that investigators believe the suspects are not based in Canada and Vancouver officers in the major crimes section are working with Chinese official and other police agencies.
“It remains unclear how the victims are chosen.”
The department has received three reports of virtual kidnappings so far this year, and two reports of attempted virtual kidnappings.
“Investigators believe that there may be more incidents that have not yet been reported,” Robillard said.
Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call department’s major crime section at 604-717-3679 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
jkerr@vancourier.com
