Five Men Jailed for Grindr Robberies

A gang of five men has been sentenced to a total of nearly 80 years in prison for using fake profiles on the dating app Grindr to lure and violently rob victims in Birmingham and Derby. Over a 10-month period from April 2023 to February 2024, they targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community, stealing more than £100,000 and using weapons to threaten victims. The group held victims captive for hours, forcing them to transfer money from their bank accounts and stealing personal belongings. Sentences ranged from 12 to 17 years, with the court emphasizing the bravery of the victims who came forward. The police highlighted the importance of gathering evidence through CCTV and witness testimonies in securing the convictions. The gang's actions have raised concerns about safety for those using dating apps, particularly within vulnerable communities.