A man who allegedly used Grindr to scam multiple men after luxury hotel hookups has been convicted in Sydney, with a magistrate issuing a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court.
The man – who Gay Sydney News is not naming for legal reasons – was due at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on March 31 for a hearing but didn’t show up.
Earlier that day, he told a deputy registrar at the court that he needed legal advice. After being directed to a neighbouring courtroom for the hearing, he disappeared.
In his absence, the magistrate convicted him of one count of possessing identity information to commit an indictable offence and three counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception. The magistrate also issued an arrest warrant.
The man had already been the subject of previous arrest warrants issued in Victoria and South Australia. 7News first reported the man’s arrest in early March, and Gay Sydney News has corroborated details about his past through court documents and other sources.
In NSW, the identity information offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Each deception charge carries a maximum of 10 years.
Ben, one of the victims in the case, told Gay Sydney News the man stole more than $2000 from him, using the money on Qantas flights and meals – including nearly $1000 at Nomad restaurant in Surry Hills.
Like others in this article, Ben has been given a pseudonym to speak freely about his experience.
“It has been exhausting,” Ben said. “Police initially suspended my case and I essentially solved it by finding his identity and finding other victims.”
He said he pushed for the case to be reopened after police initially closed it.
A 7News investigation published in March revealed years of alleged offending. The man reportedly used Grindr to arrange hookups at five-star hotels, then stole from his victims – often while they showered – by photographing IDs and bank cards.
“He was in a very nice room on an upper floor which wouldn’t have been cheap,” another victim, Boris, told 7News. “Exact same scenario. He encouraged me to shower alone.”
Boris, who was also granted anonymity, said the man stole $3000 from him, with charges spanning chauffeur service Hughes, Qantas, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Opera House.
He said he positively identified the man from photos of a court appearance on March 3.
It’s not the scammer’s first brush with the law.
7News reported the man first appeared in court in Adelaide in 2014, where he was convicted of 28 offences and handed a 12-month suspended sentence.
Court documents seen by Gay Sydney News show his South Australian charges included using another person’s identity to commit an offence, dishonestly manipulating a machine for benefit, dishonestly taking property, and unlawful possession.
In 2021, he was given a community correction order in Victoria. He received further orders in NSW in 2021 and 2022, both of which he breached, according to 7News.
Ben urged anyone who has faced similar situations on Grindr to report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit their local police station.
This article has been legally reviewed by LGBTIQ+ law firm Dowson Turco Lawyers.
Do you know more? Contact us via DM on Instagram @gaysydneynews.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
