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TWO migrant burglars who exploited the dating app Grindr to deceive their way into victims’ homes have been sentenced to prison.
Rahmat Khan Mohammadi, 23, and Mohammed Bilal Hotak, 27, targeted at least 35 individuals during their crime spree.
Rahmat Mohammadi has been sentencedCredit: Central News
Mohammed Hotak was also sentenced for burglaryCredit: Central News
The duo used the gay dating app Grindr to connect with their victims and arranged to meet them at their homes.
Once inside, Mohammadi and Hotak would convince the men to share their phone PINs under the pretense of wanting to play music.
They would then quickly exit the properties with the unlocked phones, allowing them to make contactless payments or transfer money to their accounts.
Additionally, Mohammadi and Hotak applied for bank overdrafts in their victims’ names.
Mohammadi has been sentenced to five years after being convicted of 17 counts of burglary, 12 counts of fraud, and one count of theft.
Hotak received a three-and-a-half-year sentence after being found guilty of 14 counts of burglary, nine counts of fraud, and one count of theft.
Isleworth Crown Court heard that the pair committed 35 burglaries and 20 related scams using the app between October 2024 and March 2025.
On one occasion, they attempted to withdraw money at a casino in East London called Merkur Slots.
David Patience, prosecuting, stated: “In summary, these two men utilized the Grindr app to target a significant number of victims without regard for the impact it would have, both economically and emotionally.
“They entered their residences, stole their phones, and in various ways attempted to fraudulently obtain money from their bank accounts using those phones.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, the Met’s hate crime lead, remarked: “Mohammadi and Hotak executed a series of ruthless, calculated, premeditated offenses across London, targeting unsuspecting men and resulting in the theft of high-value items and money. I welcome today’s court outcome.
“I commend the victims for their remarkable resilience throughout our investigation, as well as the Met’s LGBT+ Advisory Group and the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, GALOP, which helped ensure our work was conducted with sensitivity and care.
“The Met is fully dedicated to ensuring that all communities in London feel safe, while also working to enhance the trust and confidence that LGBT+ individuals place in us.
“Organized crime has a devastating effect on society and will not be tolerated.”
Mohammadi deceived his victims using GrindrCredit: Central News
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Mohammadi and Hotak?
Mohammadi was convicted of 17 counts of burglary, 12 counts of fraud, and one count of theft. Hotak was found guilty of 14 counts of burglary, nine counts of fraud, and one count of theft.
How did they target their victims?
They used the Grindr dating app to connect with their victims, arranged to meet them at their homes, and then tricked them into revealing their phone PINs.
What was the outcome of their trial?
Mohammadi was sentenced to five years in prison, while Hotak received a three-and-a-half-year sentence.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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