Police Ordered to Reopen Investigation into Death Linked to Grindr Blackmail Gang
Police have been instructed to relaunch their inquiry into the tragic death of a man who is believed to have taken his own life after being targeted by a blackmail gang using the gay dating app Grindr. Scott Gough, aged 56, died under distressing circumstances in Hertfordshire, with the case now under renewed scrutiny due to perceived failures in the original police response.
Details of the Incident and Initial Police Response
On March 28, 2024, a group of six men, described as white and in their mid-20s, aggressively knocked at the door of Mr Gough's home in Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire. The gang demanded the keys to his brand new Range Rover, but Mr Gough was not present at the time. His partner, Cameron Tewson, was at home and immediately called the police. As the group fled, they left a note addressed to the owner of the white Range Rover, stating: 'I think it's in your best interest to give me a call.'
The following day, Mr Tewson discovered Mr Gough dead at home, alongside a note that served as his last will and testament. A coroner recorded the cause of death as asphyxiation, and an inquest into the matter remains open. Mr Tewson has expressed his belief that his partner, who worked for a Jaguar Land Rover dealership, had been attempting to conceal his use of Grindr and was being threatened with blackmail, which may have contributed to his death.
Criticisms of the Original Investigation
Hertfordshire Police initially launched an investigation but later closed the case, despite identifying suspects and linking a phone number to other alleged instances of Grindr blackmail. No arrests were ever made. A subsequent report highlighted significant shortcomings in the initial probe. For instance, a car used by the suspects was traced, and the men were spoken to in connection with a further extortion case, but they were treated as 'individuals requiring safeguarding' rather than potential blackmailers.
Key evidence was mishandled: no DNA or fingerprints were taken from the ransom note, and rubbish left at the scene by the gang was not collected for testing. Within ten days of Mr Gough's death, police received two additional reports of blackmail involving the same phone number. The group later claimed to be so-called 'paedophile-hunters' but provided no evidence to support this assertion. In total, the gang has been linked to at least four cases of Grindr-related blackmail in the area, as reported by the BBC.
Allegations of Homophobia and External Reviews
Mr Tewson has alleged that the police's inadequate investigation was driven by homophobia, noting that officers' attitudes changed when Grindr was mentioned. He filed complaints with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and Hertfordshire Police's professional standards department. The IOPC upheld a complaint, acknowledging that police made 'several errors' and did not fully investigate Mr Gough's sudden death. However, it dismissed suggestions that homophobia, unconscious or otherwise, motivated the lacklustre investigation, though Mr Tewson has described the probe as 'fundamentally flawed' in this respect.
A professional standards report, compiled at the IOPC's request, found there was 'sufficient suspicion' to record a crime of blackmail. It recommended appointing an independent officer to reinvestigate, but Mr Tewson has accused the force of 'marking their own homework', especially after it emerged that one investigating officer accused him of harbouring a 'personal vendetta'.
Ongoing Efforts for Justice and Broader Context
Mr Tewson continues to fight for justice, stating that he feels he is 'reliving his death every single day'. He told the BBC: 'I don't think I've been able to grieve properly yet, but I knew that I was onto something from the beginning.' Hertfordshire Police are now assessing whether to involve officers from a neighbouring force in the reinvestigation. A spokesperson added: 'We are also dedicated to delivering learning to ensure that officers understand specific issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.'
This case highlights broader concerns about safety on dating apps like Grindr. Grindr has stated it 'works diligently to provide a safe environment' but defended its decision not to mandate profile verification, citing risks for users who are not out publicly. In unrelated cases, other gangs have been convicted for using Grindr to commit crimes, such as two Afghan men jailed last year for robbing victims in London after meeting them through the app. Another gang in Birmingham was jailed for nearly 80 years in early 2025 for similar offences.
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