Overview

• Two men, Andrew James Tanswell and George Phoenix Leilua, received prison sentences exceeding six years for robbing five men they met through Grindr in 2023.
• The pair used fake profiles to lure victims, gaining access to their homes through deception and threats to steal money and valuables.
• The victims, aged between 27 and 66, collectively lost over $22,000 and suffered lasting psychological trauma, as noted by Judge Andrew Colefax during sentencing.
• Grindr has implemented in-app safety alerts and is collaborating with law enforcement and LGBTQ+ organizations to address misuse of its platform during periods of heightened risk.
• The case is part of a broader trend of app-facilitated crimes in Australia, with Victoria Police recently reporting 35 arrests linked to similar incidents involving fake dating profiles.