Photo credit Met Police UK - Photo of Mohammadi and Hotak
Grindr Gang Exposed: Burglars Used Dating App to Rob London Lovers Blind!
Grindr gang Jailed: Pair Used Dating App to Rob Londoners in Sinister Crime Spree
Two ruthless burglars who used the dating app Grindr to lure unsuspecting victims into their homes before robbing them blind have been convicted in a shocking case that’s rocked London’s LGBTQ+ community.
Rahmat Khan Mohammadi, 22, and Mohammed Bilal Hotak, 21, both Afghan nationals, were found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday for their roles in a chilling crime wave that saw 35 burglaries and 20 frauds committed between October 2024 and March this year.
Digital Deception Meets Real-World Theft
The pair posed as potential romantic interests on Grindr, arranging meet-ups at victims’ homes. But once inside, they used distraction tactics to snatch mobile phones, wallets, passports and even luxury watches. In many cases, they accessed personal data to drain bank accounts and transfer funds before fleeing in getaway cars.
The Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched a painstaking investigation in March, combing through CCTV, ANPR data and thousands of phone records to link the duo to the crimes.
«Callous and Calculated”
Superintendent Owen Renowden, the Met’s hate crime lead, slammed the pair’s actions:
«Mohammadi and Hotak carried out a series of callous, calculated, pre-planned offences across London, targeting unsuspecting men and resulting in high-value items and money being stolen».
He praised the bravery of the 22 victims and the support of LGBTQ+ organisations GALOP and the Met’s own advisory group, adding:
«Organised crime has a devastating impact on society and will simply not be tolerated».
Arrests and Charges
Mohammadi, of Harrow, was arrested on 3 April and charged with 17 burglaries, 12 frauds and one theft. Hotak, of Hackney, was arrested on 24 April and charged with 14 burglaries, nine frauds and one theft.
Both now await sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court, where justice will be served for a crime spree that exploited trust, technology and the search for connection.
A Wake-Up Call for App Users
This case serves as a stark reminder to stay vigilant when meeting strangers online. The Met urges anyone who feels unsafe or suspects criminal behaviour to report it immediately.
Stay safe. Stay smart. And swipe with caution.