Armed gang who used Grindr to rob Birmingham and Derby victims jailed

In Birmingham, England, five men have been sentenced for their involvement in a series of violent robberies using the dating app Grindr to target men, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The gang, consisting of Demalji Hadza, Abubaker Alezawy, Ali Hassan, Wasim Omar, and Mohammed Sharif, lured victims into parks under false pretenses, and upon arrival, they were attacked and robbed. Some of these victims were held captive for hours, while their bank accounts were accessed, with threats and violence employed to extract money and personal items. Police reports indicated that the group specifically chose victims they perceived as vulnerable and easy targets, often preying on their good intentions by feigning injury to gain sympathy. The brutality of the attacks left several victims requiring hospital treatment for serious injuries, such as broken bones and dislocated joints. Legal proceedings resulted in sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years for the assailants, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed. Crown prosecutor Georgina Davies emphasized the motivation behind these crimes as being linked to hostility based on sexual orientation, thereby prosecuting the case as a hate crime. The convictions demonstrated the effectiveness of police work, as they gathered extensive evidence, including CCTV footage and witness accounts, leading to successful prosecution despite initial fears that victims might not report these sinister incidents. Detective Constable Sarah Byrne and Detective Inspector Tom Lyons praised the victims’ courage in coming forward, stating that these sentences not only aimed to provide justice for the victims but also served as a warning to others who might consider similar actions. The case highlights ongoing issues relating to safety for individuals engaging with online platforms, especially within marginalized communities, and calls for continued awareness and protective measures in the digital age.