Five men who used the dating app Grindr to lure victims before violently assaulting and robbing them have been jailed for a total of more than 70 years. The gang, aged between 20 and 24, targeted men across Birmingham and Derby, stealing over £100,000 in cash and goods.
Demalji Hadza, 21, Abubaker Alezawy, 21, Ali Hassan, 20, Wasim Omar, 24, and Mohammed Sharif, 22, posed as legitimate dates on Grindr to arrange meetings. Once victims arrived, they were ambushed, beaten, and held for hours while their phones were used to transfer money from their bank accounts. Victims suffered injuries including broken eye sockets, a dislocated shoulder, and a broken nose.
The gang also pretended to be in car accidents to trick members of the public into helping them, then robbed them. In one Derby incident, two Good Samaritans were assaulted and robbed after stopping to assist. The offenders often wore masks or forced victims' faces into mud to avoid identification.
West Midlands Police said the crimes occurred between 2023 and 2024 at Golden Hillock Park in Birmingham and in Derby city centre. The group was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, receiving sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years. Omar received the longest sentence of 17 years and three months.
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons praised the victims' bravery, stating the investigation was lengthy but brought the offenders to justice. Detective Constable Sarah Byrne urged other victims to come forward, assuring them of sensitive handling and support.
