2 Afghan nationals have been convicted for orchestrating a series of calculated burglaries and frauds using an LGBT dating app to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
Rahmat Khan Mohammadi & Bilal Hotak were found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court for 35 burglaries & 20 associated scams, carried out over a significant period.
The men targeted vulnerable individuals through Grindr, arranging meetings under the guise of romantic interest.
Once inside their victims homes, they manipulated the victims into unlocking their phones, often under the pretext of playing music or other minor requests before swiftly stealing devices & other valuables.
Prosecutor David Patience described how the pair would also fraudulently access victims bank accounts using the stolen phones, seizing wallets, passports, watches & withdrawing money.
The court heard that Mohammadi & Hotak showed no regard for the emotional or financial impact on their victims.
Their methods demonstrated premeditation & deliberate exploitation of trust, leveraging personal vulnerabilities to execute a criminal agenda.
Hotak was convicted on 14 counts of burglary, 9 counts of fraud & 1 count of theft, while Mohammadi was convicted on 17 counts of burglary, 12 counts of fraud & 1 count of theft.
This case highlights how Afghan nationals are misusing social platforms to target residents, creating fear & undermining public trust. Authorities emphasised the need for vigilance & robust legal action to prevent such predatory behaviour.
