Targeted Attacks Via Dating Apps in the Moselle Region
A disturbing case of targeted violence has emerged in the Moselle region, where six young men were taken into custody at the end of October in connection with a series of homophobic assaults. According to Sarreguemines prosecutor Olivier Glady, the group is accused of using the dating app Grindr to deceive gay men into meeting them, only to ambush and assault them. These attacks reportedly occurred in and around Sarreguemines.
The approach followed a chillingly calculated pattern. The suspects would initiate conversation with unsuspecting victims through the app, arrange a physical meeting, and appear in pairs—unmasked—at the initial encounter. Shortly afterward, several masked individuals would join them, indicating a well-coordinated plan to carry out the attacks.
Violent Robberies and Homophobic Abuse
The nature of the assaults was particularly brutal. Prosecutors report that the attackers used knives and a taser to intimidate victims, demanding money or immediate bank transfers. In addition to physical threats and robbery, victims were subjected to homophobic slurs, had their vehicles searched, and in some cases, saw attempts made to erase data from their mobile devices.
Investigators believe financial gain was likely the group’s primary motive. However, the repeated targeting of individuals from the LGBTQ+ community through a queer dating app points to a broader, deeply concerning trend of targeted violence and exploitation that mirrors similar cases in other parts of France.
Known Offenders and Ongoing Legal Action
The six accused are between the ages of 20 and 22 and are no strangers to the justice system, each having prior juvenile convictions. They were apprehended on October 29, with five reportedly caught in the act by local gendarmes, as per Radio Mélodie. Following their arrest, they were brought before an investigating judge and placed in provisional detention.
An official investigation is underway under charges of aggravated extortion, criminal conspiracy, and possession of stolen property. At present, five victims have come forward, including one who sustained injuries requiring a month of medical leave, according to ICI Lorraine. Authorities are urging additional victims to come forward, as more cases may be linked to the same perpetrators.
Growing Threat and Staying Safe
Reports of homophobic ambushes have been steadily increasing across France, now averaging at least one per week. In light of these threats, advocacy organizations and law enforcement agencies stress the importance of prioritizing personal safety—especially when meeting someone from a dating platform for the first time. They advise choosing public locations and avoiding secluded areas for initial encounters.
For LGBTQ+ individuals seeking safe, genuine connections, the platform
lgbt-rencontre.fr
offers a secure space designed to foster respectful and meaningful relationships within the community.