Australian Police have announced the arrest of over 22 young men in connection with a disturbing series of violent attacks targeting men through dating apps, bringing the total number of arrests to 35 in just eight months.
The ongoing investigation relates to offenders who allegedly used dating and social media platforms to lure victims, then assault, rob, and subject them to homophobic abuse. Police say the crimes appear to be part of a deliberate and coordinated campaign.
Last year, authorities issued a warning to the LGBTQIA+ community about groups posing as legitimate dating app users with the intention of targeting men for these attacks.
Widespread Arrests and Alarming Details Emerge
On Thursday, Victoria Police confirmed that over 30 arrests have been made since October 2024.
“We know this has been a distressing situation for the victims involved,” said Acting Superintendent Carolyn Deer of the Priority and Safer Communities Division.
“These arrests show just how serious we are in holding offenders to account. There is absolutely no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our society. It will not be tolerated.”
The majority of those arrested are boys and young men aged between 13 and 20. Many incidents have reportedly occurred in local government areas such as Manningham, Casey, Hume, Moorabbin, and Knox.
Some of the attacks were filmed, with footage later shared on social media platforms, further traumatising victims.
LGBTQIA+ Commissioner Labels Attacks ‘Hateful and Organised’
Joe Ball, the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities, described the assaults as “targeted homophobic violence.”
“These attacks are deliberate, organised and hateful,” Ball wrote on social media.
“Many of us remember the days when violence against gay men was normalised, overlooked, and even expected. We will not go back.”
Ball also confirmed that he and the Minister for Equality will work with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to explore new tools for tracking and responding to anti-LGBTQIA+ violence.
Breakdown of Arrests
Police revealed details of the recent arrests:
- A 16-year-old has been charged with intentionally and recklessly causing injury, and possessing a prohibited weapon.
- A 17-year-old has been charged with similar offences and for possessing a drug of dependence.
- Two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old face charges for recklessly causing injury.
- A 13-year-old, 14-year-old, and another 15-year-old were charged with kidnapping and armed robbery; two were bailed to appear in court, and one was released pending further enquiries.
- Seven 17-year-olds were charged with armed robbery, violent disorder, and false imprisonment. Two were bailed, five were charged to appear on summons.
- Four 19-year-old men from Bayswater, Lyndhurst, and Cranbourne East were arrested for armed robbery. Three were bailed; one was released pending further enquiries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police Urge Vigilance and Reporting
Acting Superintendent Deer reminded the public to take precautions when using dating apps:
“Please always remain vigilant by protecting your identity and location and verifying the other person’s identity before meeting up.”
“Victoria Police is committed to the safety and well-being of LGBTIQA+ communities. We take any report of this behaviour extremely seriously and investigate.”
Authorities stressed the importance of reporting incidents to police directly, rather than relying on dating app complaints alone. They can work with platforms to access key data, even if the offender’s profile has been blocked or deleted.
Dating Apps Under Pressure to Cooperate
Following increased pressure in 2023, the largest online dating companies in Australia adopted a new code of practice, promising to escalate safety complaints more rapidly to police and block abusive users more effectively.
Victoria Police continues to liaise with selected dating apps as part of the investigation and strongly encourages any victims to come forward.
“This is crucial so a criminal investigation can commence to hold offenders to account.”
