In a shocking revelation of calculated and heinous crimes, five men have been sentenced for orchestrating a series of violent robberies in Birmingham and Derby using the Grindr dating app.
Over the course of ten months, these individuals lured unsuspecting victims under the guise of meeting a legitimate person, only to subject them to violent assaults and theft. Their actions caused physical and emotional trauma to many, highlighting the dangerous misuse of digital platforms for criminal purposes.
A Calculated Series of Robberies Across Birmingham and Derby
The group, comprising Demalji Hadza, 21, Abubaker Alezawy, 21, Ali Hassan, 20, Wasim Omar, 24, and Mohammed Sharif, 22, executed a string of well-planned robberies between 2023 and 2024.
Using dating apps such as Grindr, they meticulously targeted individuals they perceived as vulnerable, luring them to pre-determined locations such as Golden Hillock Park in South Birmingham and spots in Derby city center.
Once the victims arrived, they were ambushed by the gang, violently assaulted, and had their belongings stolen. The robberies resulted in the theft of more than £100,000 in cash, valuables, and property, including vehicles, house keys, wallets, and identification documents.
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In some instances, victims were held captive for hours, during which their phones were used to transfer significant sums of money from their bank accounts.
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The brutality of these attacks was chilling. Victims were left with severe physical injuries, including broken eye sockets, dislocated shoulders, and broken noses. Beyond the physical harm, the psychological impact of being violently attacked and robbed in what should have been a safe and consensual meeting was profound.
Tactics of Deception and Violence
The gang’s methods were particularly devious, employing a combination of digital manipulation and real-world violence to execute their crimes. By creating fake profiles on dating apps, they convinced victims to meet them under false pretenses. Upon arrival, the victims were trapped, assaulted, and subjected to threats involving large weapons.
In one notable incident, the gang used a ruse involving a seemingly broken-down car in Derby. Pretending to need assistance, they tricked two members of the public into approaching them before launching a violent assault and stealing their possessions.
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To avoid identification, the gang wore masks or face coverings and forced victims into positions where they could not see their attackers. They celebrated their crimes openly, as evidenced by footage showing them withdrawing money from cashpoints and making purchases with stolen cards, often rejoicing outside shops after successful transactions.
These acts of calculated deception and cruelty underscored the gang’s disregard for the safety and well-being of their victims.
Justice and Closure for the Victims
The crimes committed by Hadza, Alezawy, Hassan, Omar, and Sharif culminated in their arrest and trial. Following a six-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, the gang members received sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years in prison.
Hadza was sentenced to 16 years and two months, Alezawy to 16 years and five months, and Hassan to 16 years and nine months. Omar received the harshest sentence of 17 years and three months, while Sharif was sentenced to 12 years and three months. Notably, Hadza and Alezawy pleaded guilty early in the trial, while the others were found guilty in September 2023.
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons, who led the investigation, commended the bravery and courage of the victims in coming forward to share their experiences.
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Their testimonies were instrumental in piecing together the evidence required to build a strong case against the gang. The successful prosecution not only brought the offenders to justice but also served as a deterrent to others contemplating similar crimes.
Detective Constable Sarah Byrne emphasized the importance of reporting such crimes and assured that all reports would be handled sensitively by specially trained officers. The police urged anyone who has experienced a similar ordeal to come forward, reinforcing the commitment to supporting victims and ensuring justice.
The sentencing marks a significant step in addressing the misuse of digital platforms for criminal activities. It also highlights the resilience and courage of the victims who played a pivotal role in bringing their attackers to account. While the convictions provide a sense of closure, the long-term effects on the victims serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and safety in online interactions.
This case underscores the importance of accountability in the digital age and the necessity of collaboration between law enforcement, tech platforms, and the public to combat such crimes effectively.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏