Man Lured Through Dating Platform Robbed by Group

A recent incident in Vienna has highlighted the dangers associated with online dating platforms. A 49-year-old man fell victim to a robbery orchestrated by a group of six young males, including a 16-year-old who allegedly lured him to a meeting point.

The encounter was arranged via a dating app aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, where the victim believed he was meeting a potential date. Instead, upon arriving at a designated location near a Catholic church in the Favoriten district, he was ambushed by the group, who proceeded to assault him and steal his wallet and mobile phone. The victim sustained minor injuries during the attack.

Following the incident, the victim took decisive action. After the robbery, he deleted his dating profile and created a new one, managing to capture a screenshot of the individual he had been in contact with. This evidence was crucial in assisting the authorities.

The Vienna Police Department subsequently issued a public appeal for information, releasing a photograph of the suspected perpetrator. The teenager later turned himself in, accompanied by his guardians, and is currently free while investigations continue. His interrogation is pending.

This robbery case has raised concerns about a broader pattern of hate crimes that have recently come to light in Austria, particularly in connection with LGBTQ+ individuals. The Wiener police have sought to collaborate with their counterparts in Styria, where similar incidents have been reported. However, preliminary investigations suggest that this particular case may not be directly linked to those ongoing investigations.

The victim's experience serves as a cautionary tale for those using dating apps, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and safety when meeting individuals online. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about this case or who may have experienced similar incidents to come forward, whether anonymously or not.

As the investigation continues, the police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and will take appropriate measures to address these types of crimes.