MELBOURNE: 30 arrests over dating app assaults

Friday, May 9, 2025

Victoria Police has arrested more than 30 people as part of an investigation into a series of concerning attacks on men linked to the use of dating apps and social media.
Police allege several groups of offenders – primarily young males aged between 13 and 20 – have been posing as legitimate users of the platforms to lure men into meeting them.
The victims are then allegedly assaulted, robbed, threatened and subjected to homophobic comments.
Some incidents have involved victims being filmed with the videos posted on social media accounts.
Police have seen incidents occur across the state, particularly in local government areas taking in Manningham, Casey, Hume, Moorabbin and Knox.
The more than 30 arrests have been made since October last year.
The arrests include:

  • A 16-year-old boy for intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and possessing a prohibited weapon without lawful excuse. The boy has been charged.
  • A 17-year-old boy for intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and possessing a drug of dependence. The boy has been charged.
  • Two 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy for recklessly causing injury. All three boys were charged.
  • A 13-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy for kidnapping and armed robbery. Two of the boys were charged and bailed to face court. The other boy was released pending further enquiries.
  • Seven 17-year-old boys for armed robbery, violent disorder and false imprisonment. Two of the boys were charged and bailed at court. The remaining five have been charged on summons to appear at court at a later date.
  • Four 19-year-old males from Bayswater, Lyndhurst and Cranbourne East for armed robbery. Three of the males were charged and bailed to face court. The other male was released pending further enquiries.
    Victoria Police treats incidents of this nature with the utmost seriousness and urges victims to come forward so police can investigate.
    Priority and Safer Communities Division Acting Superintendent Carolyn Deer said: “There is absolutely no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our society. It will not be tolerated. Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.
    “We know this has been a distressing situation for the victims involved .”