Investigators confirmed that cyber-kidnappers had been targeting a 17-year-old foreign exchange student in Riverdale for a lot longer than previously known. The teen disappeared from his host family's home on the Dec. 28, but police said the alleged kidnappers had been blackmailing the boy for money for about a month before he went missing. Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren said they forced the teen to send them thousands of dollars, or they said they would harm his family back in China. “Basically, [the kidnappers said], ‘If you don’t do exactly what we say, then your parents will be in danger.’ He’s talking to them, not in person, but over the phone because they’re from China," Warren said. "So, he’s believing he’s doing these things in the U.S. to protect his family in China.” FULL STORY: https://kutv.com/news/local/investigators-confirm-foreign-exchange-student-blackmailed-for-month-before-cyber-kidnapping-china-blackmail _______________ Hit the subscribe button to stay up-to-date on the latest news, and turn on the notifications to get alerted when the big stories break as we bring them to you live! For all the full stories seen here, go to kutv.com. Follow KUTV 2News on our other social media pages for more photos, videos and reports: Facebook: facebook.com/KUTV2News TikTok: @kutv2news Twitter: @kutv2news Instagram: @kutv2news If you see something newsworthy happen, or you just witness something incredible, hilarious or adorable, you can send your videos, photos and news tips to kutv.com/chimein. We love sharing our favorites on kutv.com, our social media and our broadcasts! You can also submit tips by email or phone. Email: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 801.839.1234 _______________ KUTV is a Utah-based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to nearly 200 television stations in 86 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches close to 40% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates. #kutv #saltlakecity #news #utah