Judge Adenike Bologun remarked, „This was an opportunistic offence“ while addressing the actions of two men associated with what authorities have labeled as „London’s most prolific Grindr gang.“ The individuals, Rahmad Khan Mohammadi, aged 23, and Mohammed Bilal Hotak, aged 21, have been sentenced to a collective eight-and-a-half years in prison after exploiting the gay dating application to deceive and rob men in the capital.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the duo orchestrated 35 burglaries and 20 related frauds, accumulating losses amounting to £68,000 over a six-month period. Their illicit activities included stealing mobile phones, passports, and wallets from unsuspecting victims.
Details of the Crimes
One victim reportedly faced significant psychological distress and was hospitalized after discovering that fraudulent loans, credit agreements, and overdrafts had been taken out in their name.
During the sentencing held at Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Bologun noted that the gang exploited victims‘ potential embarrassment as a barrier to reporting the crimes. However, she clarified that there was no clear evidence of hostility based on the victims‘ sexual orientation.
Evidence presented in court revealed that Mohammadi, a resident of Harrow, and Hotak, from Hackney, both Afghan nationals, lured victims by arranging meetings through the dating app. The Metropolitan Police indicated that they targeted several men weekly by frequently creating new profiles on the platform.
Methods of Deception
Once inside the victims‘ residences, the pair employed various distractions to gain access to mobile devices, sometimes requesting to play music or asking the victim to take a shower before engaging in sexual activities. They would then abscond with phones or other valuables.
Furthermore, the gang capitalized on stored debit and credit cards, with one incident involving unauthorized access to a victim’s bank account, resulting in direct cash theft. They also persuaded one individual to meet them in a nearby park.
During the prosecution, David Patience read statements from victims, which detailed the financial and emotional toll inflicted by the gang’s actions. One victim expressed feeling vulnerable due to his sexuality and physique, stating, „I was manipulated and led into a park late at night, my phone was taken from me, I was humiliated and unable to protect myself.“ Another victim recounted being hospitalized due to the stress caused by the situation.
Defense and Sentencing Outcomes
Patience argued that the pair displayed „contemptuous ill will“ towards the victims, asserting that they specifically targeted gay men as they believed them to be easier prey. Conversely, Hotak’s defense attorney, John Kearney, denied any ill intent towards the LGBTQ+ community, suggesting that the victims had failed to exercise caution.
Mohammadi’s defense, Nathan Toms, highlighted his client’s traumatic past, recounting a forced exodus from Afghanistan following an assault and familial threats related to his political ties.
In conclusion, Mohammadi received a five-year sentence, while Hotak was sentenced to three and a half years. Following the judgment, the Metropolitan Police reiterated their commitment to combating such targeted crimes within the community.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Asim Rehman auf Unsplash
