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15h ago

35 Arrested in Victoria Over LGBTQ Dating App-Linked Assaults and Robberies

Police confirm male teenagers used fake profiles on platforms like Grindr to target gay men for violent hate crimes, with investigations ongoing.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: The Rainbow flag is raised at Town Hall during a flag raising ceremony at Sydney Town Hall on February 19, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
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A close up photo of a phone with dating apps like Tinder, Grindr and Bumble on the screen.

Overview

  • Victoria Police have arrested 35 individuals, mostly male teenagers aged 13 to 20, linked to a series of violent crimes targeting LGBTQ dating app users.
  • Victims were lured via fake profiles on apps such as Grindr, Scruff, and Snapchat, then assaulted, robbed, harassed with homophobic comments, and in some cases filmed with footage shared online.
  • Several attacks are being investigated as prejudice-motivated crimes, which could lead to harsher legal penalties for offenders.
  • Law enforcement is collaborating with dating app providers to display safety warnings and gather evidence to support ongoing investigations.
  • Authorities urge app users to verify identities, protect sensitive information, and report incidents directly to police, as investigations remain active.