Canada-Three Chinese ESL students missing, police say

[Paintr]

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/667364

Toronto police are concerned for the safety of three teenage exchange students from China after they went missing Tuesday during an ESL summer camp excursion in the Beaches.

Zhiyong Chen, 17, Qian Hu, 15, and Kangjuun Fu, 13, were last seen at Woodbine Beach in the area of Woodbine Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. E. yesterday at around 1:30 p.m.

[Paintr]

http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/07/16/10154951.html

Toronto Police are turning to the public to help find three teenage foreign exchange students missing since Tuesday.

The students, from China, were visiting Toronto as part of a four-week exchange program through the Toronto District School Board. They speak Mandarin and have limited knowledge of English, Toronto Police Const. Wendy Drummond said.


http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/?src=http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/07/16/exchange_missing.jpg&size=248x186

[Paintr]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/07/16/chinese-students.html

According to police, the students left their group intentionally.

Police are trying to determine if the three took off on a lark, or if they intend to defect.

[dreamweaver]

And where is the nearest embassy?

[scandi]

Thanks Paintr for your devotion to cases like this.

And that is a good question Dreamweaver. Three is a group I think, and if they wanted to defect 3 minds would be better than one. I can't see them being kidnapped. Maybe lost but that sounds extreme because of their ages.

Whoops, I meant to say the Embassy will have a good idea as to what is going on. xox

[Paintr]

If these 3 wish to defect, I wonder if Canada will grant them asylum? Wonder what China would say about that.

I do hope these 3 haven't run into any trouble. There is a Chinese community in Toronto. I hope they found someone to speak to as the article states their English is limited.

[Paintr]

Thanks Paintr for your devotion to cases like this.

And that is a good question Dreamweaver. Three is a group I think, and if they wanted to defect 3 minds would be better than one. I can't see them being kidnapped. Maybe lost but that sounds extreme because of their ages.

Whoops, I meant to say the Embassy will have a good idea as to what is going on. xox

You are very welcome, scandi. :)

OT Nice to 'see' you again. Hope you are well.

[Paintr]

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/07/15/police-seek-three-missing-chinese-exchange-students.aspx

A 13-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy are part of a four-week student exchange program

.......

“We don’t believe they were abducted or that any foul play is involved,” said Det. Debra Houstin. “This was somewhat pre-planned…We don’t have any ideas as to what their destination is.”

[Paintr]

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1660885

The trio arrived in Toronto July 7 for an English as a second language program offered by the Toronto District School Board, Houston said.

There were 30 kids registered in the program, which was slated to run from July 12 to Aug. 1, TDSB spokesman Alana Russell said.

"It's a highly successful, very popular program. It focuses on learning English and features outings in the community," she said, adding there are "several chaperones" that accompany students on outings such as the one at the beach Tuesday

[Paintr]

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/07/17/Chinese-exchange-students-AWOL-in-Toronto/UPI-56561247860470/

Officials at the Chinese consulate in Toronto told the Star they hadn't heard from the teenagers.

[Paintr]

http://www.cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090720/090720_missingstudents/20090720/?hub=CP24Home

Qian Hu was found on Friday. Police say they tracked down the 15-year-old after workers at a federal immigration office recognized her picture when she walked in that morning.




Investigators are still looking for the other two students -- Zhiyong Chen, 17, and Kangjun Fu, 13.




Police say the girl hasn't been helpful in their search.

[Paintr]

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/669036

Although police alleged that they had planned to go AWOL, they are still concerned about their safety. There were originally rumours that the trio had planned to apply for refugee status.

"They're 13 and 17-years-old in a foreign country," Drummond said. "We don't know if they have any means of support financially at such a young age. Without any means of support it is a definite concern for us."

Chen is described as Chinese, 5'7", 110 lbs., thin build, with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a white cotton T-shirt.

Fu is described as Chinese, 5'7", 110 lbs., thin build, with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a white cotton T-shirt and blue denim pants.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3300.

Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or by texting TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).