The Victoria police are warning the public, specifically members of the Chinese community, as they continue to investigate an elaborate extortion scheme known as viral kidnapping.

Officers were called after a young woman was reported missing by her roommate on May 14.

Investigators believed that the woman was being held against her will. Later that night, police successfully found the victim.

She was physically unharmed and appeared to have been victimized in a virtual kidnapping.

The suspects were able to take a large sum of money from the woman’s family before the extortion was uncovered.

According to police, virtual kidnapping will occur with a phone call from a number that appears to be the Chinese Consulate.

The victim is informed that there is a warrant for their arrest in China, or the Chinese police need help with an investigation.

Suspects are often targeting Chinese women in their 20s that are studying in Canada.

As part of the extortion, the suspects convince the victim to make fake videos indicating that they have been kidnapped or the victim of a crime. These videos get sent to family members who then send money.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the Chinese Consulate or the Chinese police, you are asked to call the Victoria police at (250)995-7654.