Found Deceased OH - Abdul Mohammed, 25, Cleveland University student, family in India claims ransom demand, 7 Mar 2024

[imstilla.grandma]

Abdul Mohammed was last seen on East 13th Street, according to police.

Cleveland Police searching for missing 25-year-old man

The Cleveland Division of Police is asking for the public's help in searching for a missing 25-year-old man.

www.news5cleveland.com

He was last seen at 1700 E. 13th Street in Cleveland. He was wearing a white T-shirt, red jacket and blue jeans.

Cleveland police issue alert for missing man

Cleveland police are asking residents to look out for a missing man.

fox8.com

Abdul Mohammed, who is pursuing a Master's degree in Information Technology (IT) at Cleveland University, was last seen on March 7. His father, Mohammed Saleem, reported receiving a phone call from an unknown number later that week from someone claiming to be part of a gang.

Hyderabad student missing in US for 2 weeks, family gets ransom call

Abdul Mohammed, a 25-year-old from Hyderabad studying in the United States, has been reported missing since March 7. His family reported receiving a ransom call, allegedly from his kidnappers.

www.indiatoday.in

“I am in a state of shock. The caller refused to give evidence that my son was in his custody. I tried telling him that we would follow his instructions, but he got angry and refused to communicate further,” Mohammed Saleem, who is a supervisor for building sites, told TOI.
Saleem’s son Abdul Mohammed, who went to the US in May 2023 for a Masters in IT from Cleveland University, has not been in touch with the family since March 7. Relatives of the family in the US lodged a complaint with Cleveland police which issued a look-out notice for Abdul Mohammed.

Hyderabad Student Abdul Mohammed Missing in US for 12 Days | Hyderabad News - Times of India

Read about the alarming case of a Hyderabad student, Abdul Mohammed, missing in the US for 12 days and the ransom demand made to his family. Stay updated with the latest news on this developing story.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

 

[dotr]

Mar 20, 2024 14:27 IST

Hyderabad student missing in US for 2 weeks, family gets ransom call

Abdul Mohammed, a 25-year-old from Hyderabad studying in the United States, has been reported missing since March 7. His family reported receiving a ransom call, allegedly from his kidnappers.

www.indiatoday.in

''Abdul Mohammed, who is pursuing a Master's degree in Information Technology (IT) at Cleveland University, was last seen on March 7. His father, Mohammed Saleem, reported receiving a phone call from an unknown number later that week from someone claiming to be part of a gang.
The caller claimed they had kidnapped Abdul and demanded a ransom of $1,200 for his safe return. They further threatened to sell Abdul's kidney if the ransom wasn't paid.''

 

[dotr]

Noting that there has been a number of scam kidnappings etc. targeting Chinese students internationally, maybe this is a copycat crime, imo, speculation...
Jan 2024

Cyber 'Kidnapping' Scams Target Chinese Students Around the World

A recent cyber kidnapping incident in Utah is part of a broader pattern

www.voanews.com

Terrifying 'fake kidnapping' scam sweeping Australia

International students have been warned to steer clear of those claiming to be Chinese officials after a series of sophisticated 'virtual kidnapping' scams.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Found Safe - UT - Kai Zhuang, 17, international student, 28 December 2023 *ransom demand*

Missing Riverdale foreign exchange student found near Brigham City in case of ‘cyber kidnapping’ BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A missing and endangered 17-year-old Chinese foreign exchange student has been located and returned to his family, according to Riverdale City Police...

www.websleuths.com

Found Safe - Canada - 3 Chinese students, ages 16-20, missing in extortion scam, Toronto, Nov 2017

http://www.cp24.com/news/second-missing-chinese-student-targeted-in-ransom-scam-found-safe-police-1.3675203 Second missing Chinese student targeted in ransom scam found safe: police Over the weekend, police confirmed that another student, 20-year-old Juanwen Zhang, who they believe was also a...

www.websleuths.com

 

[maine2016]

Noting that there has been a number of scam kidnappings etc. targeting Chinese students internationally, maybe this is a copycat crime, imo, speculation...

That was my initial thought as well. I hope it's a scam/hoax and he will be okay.

 

[branmuffin]

Seems like an awfully small amount of ransom.

 

[dotr]

US: Indian Student, 25, Goes Missing in Ohio; Parents In Hyderabad Appeal for Help After Ransom Call - News18

Indian student in US allegedly kidnapped, ransom demanded. Family seeks help

www.news18.com

''His last known location was a Walmart store in the city where he went missing.''
''Last week, Arfath’s father received a call from an unknown number, claiming to have abducted his son. The caller demanded $1200 from Mohammed Saleem for his son’s release but did not specify the payment method, according to media reports.

“He [Mr. Arfath] is my only son. He said he was missing us and his friends and wanted to come home. I told him that he could do so during his vacations, and if needed, I would send him the airfare. The last time I spoke to him was on March 7, but that was only for a few seconds. He called his friend the next day and spoke to him.''

 

[azure]

Seems like an awfully small amount of ransom.

Indeed, $1200 is a very small amount of money, and the threat to take his kidney is almost comical. Strange...

 

[GraceG]

The missing student, when last speaking with his father, said he was homesick and wanted to come home but lacked the airfare to do so. Then he's "kidnapped" and someone asks for $1200 ransom. That just happens to be the same amount it costs for airfare on a major carrier from Cleveland to India. https://www.united.com/en-us/flights-from-cleveland-to-india. You can take from that what you will, but I think the kidnapping ransom is a hoax of some nature. Hopefully this young man will turn up safe and soon.

 

[branmuffin]

If I was a cynical person I would think that Abdul maybe owes someone $1200 and he's already spent his monthly allowance.

 

[mst]

any connection to the other male foreigner that was just found near cleveland?

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The Consulate General of India in New York is working with local law enforcement authorities to find a 25-year-old Indian student in Cleveland who has been missing since the beginning of this month.

Mohammad Abdul Arfath, hailing from Nacharam, Hyderabad, arrived in the US in May last year to pursue a Masters in IT from Cleveland University.

The Indian Consulate said in a post on X that it is in touch with Arfath's family and authorities in the US. "We are working with local law enforcement agencies to find him at the earliest."

Working with authorities to find missing Hyderabad student: Indian consulate in New York

The Consulate General of India in New York is working with local law enforcement authorities to find a 25-year-old Indian student in Cleveland who has been missing since the beginning of this month. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, hailing from Nacharam, Hyderabad, arrived in the US in May last year to

www.dailypioneer.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

“Yesterday, I got a call from an unknown number, and the caller informed me that my son has been kidnapped and demanded money. The caller did not mention the mode of payment but just asked to pay the amount. When I asked the caller to allow us to talk to my son but he refused,” Saleem told PTI in Hyderabad.

Arfath’s parents have requested the central government to take necessary measures to bring back their son safely. Saleem has also written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in this regard.

Indian Consulate in New York assists in search for missing Hyderabad student

Mohammad Abdul Arfath from Nacharam, Hyderabad, came to the US in May last year to pursue a Masters in IT at Cleveland University.

telanganatoday.com

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Can the call from the unknown number be traced, at least to determine from which general area it originated?

 

[imstilla.grandma]

"Missing of my son Mohammed Abdul Arfath from Cleveland, Ohio State, USA- Req-Reg.This is to state that my son Mohammed Abdul Arfath resident of H No: 4-2-88/24/2A Ambedkar Nagar, Nacharam, Medchal, Malkajgiri District in Telangana State holder of Indian Passport No: U9815651 went to pursue Masters in IT from Cleveland University during May 2023 and was staying 1700 East 13th Street, 23L Cleveland, Oh44114 and last spoke to me from +14406617965 on 7th March 2024 and since then he is not in touch with us. It is requested to ask the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, USA and Indian Consulate in Chicago, USA," he stated in his letter to EAM Jaishankar.

Indian student goes missing in US, family gets ransom call

A 25-year-old Indian student has gone missing from the Cleveland area of the US, following which his family has urged the External Affairs Ministry to find..

www.khaleejtimes.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

It’s a bit concerning after reading google finds. I really hesitated to post as I see these scams all the time but something about the hostage taker’s demand was just too ridiculous! This from a few days ago:
Paruchuri Abhijit, a 23-year-old engineering student at Boston University, was found dead in his car in a nearby forest apparently killed by thugs to rob him of his money and laptop.

Indian student found dead in Boston forest - The American Bazaar

Tenth such incident since January 2023 times has raised alarming questions about the safety of Indian students in the US

www.americanbazaaronline.com

Indian Consulate in NY issues major update on Hyderabad student missing in US for two weeks

The Consulate General of India in New York is working with local law enforcement authorities to find a 25-year-old Indian student in Cleveland.

www.hindustantimes.com

 

[dotr]

It’s a bit concerning after reading google finds. I really hesitated to post as I see these scams all the time but something about the hostage taker’s demand was just too ridiculous! This from a few days ago:
Paruchuri Abhijit, a 23-year-old engineering student at Boston University, was found dead in his car in a nearby forest apparently killed by thugs to rob him of his money and laptop.

Indian student found dead in Boston forest - The American Bazaar

Tenth such incident since January 2023 times has raised alarming questions about the safety of Indian students in the US

www.americanbazaaronline.com

View attachment 492044

Indian Consulate in NY issues major update on Hyderabad student missing in US for two weeks

The Consulate General of India in New York is working with local law enforcement authorities to find a 25-year-old Indian student in Cleveland.

www.hindustantimes.com

2023

Indian students now looking beyond Canada for alternatives amid safety concerns

Prospective students from India considering higher education in Canada may reconsider due to safety concerns and potential hate crimes. Experts advise caution and highlight alternative educational opportunities within India and in other countries. Similar shifts in student preferences were seen...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

We are assuring Indian students that Canada remains a safe and welcoming space, says VC of York University - Times of India

US & Canada News News: Dr Rhonda L Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of York University, Canada’s third largest university, was in India recently.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Student safety guide for Indian students in Canada | IDP India

Explore the steps of keeping yourself safe when you are studying in the Canada. Here're some health and safety tips to apply in your daily life as an international student in the Canada.

www.idp.com

''Always keep your friends and family updated on your whereabouts at all times. Here’s how you can always remain connected:

• Get a local number and share it with friends, family, university office and your roommate
• Always keep your phone charged and on ringing when not in a classroom
• Whether you're going to another town or to the nearest shopping mall, keep someone informed
• If you feel unsafe at any given time, share your live location with someone you trust''

Mar 18, 2024

Who was Paruchuri Abhijit? Indian student from Andhra Pradesh found dead in US; 9th such tragedy in 2024

Another Indian student was killed in the United States, and his body was discovered stashed in an abandoned car deep inside a forest on campus.

www.hindustantimes.com

Paruchuri Abhijit was found dead in the US. He was the only son of his Guntur-based parents.(X@IndianTechGuide)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mumbai-india-girl-kidnapped-home-1.6673616

2022

 

[GraceG]

Can the call from the unknown number be traced, at least to determine from which general area it originated?

Yes, it’s possible but duo to privacy concerns (it’s not a crime for an adult to go missing) LE would likely have to have a subpoena. If there is evidence of a crime (abduction obviously being one) they can get one and the phone companies usually act fairly quickly on that.

If the call was made from a landline those are the simplest to trace to a location, but hardly anyone uses those anymore.
Cellular phones are harder. The communications provider can determine which cell tower the phone is connecting to, but that only gives a rough location, and the effective radius of the cell tower. Normally, they can interrogate the phone and get it to send its GPS coordinates. But a smart criminal (or anyone that doesn't want to be "located") likely knows that can be thwarted by turning off “location services” on the phone (turn off the GPS function).

 

[wendybtn]

Bumping.

 

[TwinkieDefense]

April 4, 2024 article - still missing; very few details. Wonder how much has been discovered?

Cleveland Police search for missing 25-year-old man

Cleveland Police are asking for the public's help in searching for a missing 25-year-old man last seen in the 1700 block of East 13th Street.

www.news5cleveland.com

[…]

Anyone with information on his location is asked to call police at 216-623-3073

[…]

 

[Unalienable Rights]

Very sad news.

MSN

Another ‘missing’ Indian student found dead in Ohio, US, 11th such case this year​

The Indian embassy in New York has confirmed the tragic news that Mohammed Abdul Arfath, a 25-year-old student from Hyderabad who had enrolled for a Master’s program at Cleveland State University in 2023, is found dead in Ohio.

*****
The embassy expressed their sorrow with the following statement: “Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mohammed Arfath’s family.”

*****