An organised criminal network of Afghan migrants has been exploiting dating apps to orchestrate a sophisticated burglary campaign targeting lonely gay men across Britain, police have revealed.
The gang, operating with chilling precision, created fake profiles on Grindr to befriend victims before arriving for dates armed with weapons and systematically ransacking their homes.
The Modus Operandi
Investigators describe a well-rehearsed pattern where perpetrators would:
- Create convincing fake profiles using stolen photos
- Engage in extended conversations to build trust
- Schedule meetings at victims' residences
- Arrive with multiple accomplices and weapons
- Distract victims while accomplices searched properties
Nationwide Crime Spree
Police have linked the group to at least 25 burglaries spanning multiple counties including Surrey, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Cambridgeshire. The scale of thefts is staggering, with losses exceeding £700,000 in luxury watches, jewellery, electronics, and cash.
One victim in Surrey reported losses of £70,000 after being targeted by the sophisticated operation.
Police Investigation Breakthrough
The Metropolitan Police's complex crime team executed coordinated raids, resulting in multiple arrests. Evidence gathered includes:
- Mobile phones containing fake Grindr profiles
- Stolen high-value goods ready for shipment overseas
- Weapons including knives and CS spray
- Substantial amounts of cash
Community Impact and Warnings
Detective Inspector James Shirley emphasised the calculated nature of these crimes: "This was a systematic exploitation of trust within the LGBTQ+ community. These criminals preyed on vulnerability with military-like planning."
Authorities are urging dating app users to exercise extreme caution when inviting strangers to their homes and to verify identities through video calls before meetings.
The investigation continues as police work to dismantle the entire network and recover stolen property, with some items believed to have been already smuggled out of the country.
