In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through London's LGBTQ+ community, two men have been convicted for using the dating app Grindr to systematically target and burgle gay men in their own homes.
Dylan Ariday, 21, and George Kizilbash, 20, were found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court after a trial revealed their sophisticated operation that exploited digital dating platforms to prey on vulnerable victims.
The Modus Operandi
The court heard how the duo employed a calculated approach:
- Creating fake profiles on Grindr to connect with potential victims
- Arranging meetings at the victims' homes under false pretences
- Forcing their way into properties once inside building complexes
- Stealing valuable items including jewellery, electronics, and cash
- Targeting multiple victims across North London between 2022 and 2023
A Pattern of Predatory Behaviour
Detective Constable Tania Wright, the investigating officer from the Metropolitan Police's North Area CID, described the case as "particularly vile" due to the exploitation of trust within the dating community.
"These offenders specifically targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community, using a platform designed for connection to instead facilitate their crimes," DC Wright stated. "Their actions have caused significant distress to the victims, who were targeted in what should be the safety of their own homes."
Community Impact and Safety Warnings
The conviction has prompted renewed safety warnings from both police and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups about meeting strangers through dating apps. Authorities are urging users to:
- Always meet new contacts in public places initially
- Inform friends or family about planned meetings
- Verify profiles through multiple means before inviting someone home
- Trust instincts and report suspicious behaviour to both the platform and police
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for later this month, where both Ariday and Kizilbash face substantial prison terms for their crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind digital connections and the importance of maintaining personal safety in the modern dating landscape.
