Teens accused of using dating apps for homophobic attacks in Melbourne

Five teenagers have been accused of 11 homophobic attacks in the Dandenong area. Police allege the group used dating apps and social media to lure victims to locations before sexually assaulting and robbing some of the victims. Police say almost 50 people have been arrested after more than 100 similar attacks over the past three years. Five teenagers have been arrested after a series of attacks on men who police allege were targeted through dating apps and social media. Police say groups of offenders have been posing as legitimate users of platforms to lure men into meeting them. The victims are then assaulted, robbed, threatened, and subjected to what police described as homophobic comments. Five males aged between 16 and 18 have been arrested in relation to 11 incidents that were reported to police in the Greater Dandenong area. They are facing various charges including kidnapping, sexual assault, intentionally causing injury and armed robbery. Police said there had been 113 reports of similar attacks across the state since January 2024, which resulted in 47 arrests. Acting Inspector Jarrod Dwyer said police were treating the alleged attacks as concerning. "There is no place for it in our society, and it will not be tolerated by police," he said. He said police were investigating distressing allegations, and he urged any victims of attacks to contact police and not just rely on reporting incidents to the dating apps. "Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety. "It is never too late to make a report, so when you're ready, please speak to us. The more we know, the more we can do something about it and keep victims safe." A Victoria Police spokesperson said investigators were continuing to work with dating apps and were publishing proactive safety messaging on the platforms, including reporting options and support services. They said detectives can request information from the apps to help with their investigations, including when one party had blocked or deleted someone from the app.