More than 30 men and teens arrested over homophobic dating app attacks

Police have charged more than 30 people who lured men on dating apps and assaulted them, with the youngest offender only 13 years old.

More than 30 people have been arrested in Melbourne after luring men on dating apps, then assaulting, robbing and threatening them and subjecting them to homophobic language, with the youngest alleged offender only 13 years old.

Victoria Police allege the group of offenders, who are mostly young men aged between 13 and 20, created accounts posing as legitimate people before luring men to meet them.

“The victims are then allegedly assaulted, robbed, threatened and subjected to homophobic comments,” a police statement read.

Some of the victims were filmed during these attacks, with videos shared on social media.

More than 30 people have been arrested in Victoria after luring men on dating apps.

The attacks took place across the state, particularly in Melbourne government areas and suburbs including Manningham, Casey, Hume, Moorabbin and Knox.

Acting Superintendent Carolyn Deer urged anyone who used dating apps to be vigilant while using online platforms by protecting their identity and location and “verifying the other person’s identity before meeting up”.

They also urged victims to come forward and direct incidents to police, as reporting to a dating app did not mean the matter would be automatically reported to police.

Superintendent Deer said the “distressing” incidents would “not be tolerated”.

“There is absolutely no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our society,” she said.

“Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.”

More than 30 people have been arrested since October last year, including three boys aged 13, 14 and 15, who allegedly kidnapped and robbed a man. Two of the boys were charged and bailed, while a third was released pending further injuries.

Two 14-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy were charged with recklessly causing injury.

The offenders lured men on dating apps, only to rob and assault them.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and possessing a prohibited weapon without lawful excuse.

As part of the arrests, seven 17-year-old boys were arrested and charged with armed robbery, violent disorder and false imprisonment. Two of the boys were bailed at court and the remaining five have been charged on summons to appear at court at a later date.

“We know this has been a distressing situation for the victims involved – and these arrests show just how serious we are in holding offenders to account,” Superintendent Deer said.

“Victoria Police is committed to the safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities and we take any report of this behaviour extremely seriously and investigate.”

The investigations remain ongoing.