Police criticized for making 'homophobic assumptions' about victims of blackmail on Grindr

Trigger warning: This report includes distressing material and mentions of suicide.

Authorities are facing criticism for allegedly mishandling reports that a criminal group was extorting men through the gay dating app Grindr. A BBC investigation uncovered at least five suspected blackmail incidents in one region, with four linked to the same gang, which remains at large.

In a tragic case, one victim died by suicide within 24 hours after men arrived at his home demanding his new Range Rover. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has instructed Hertfordshire Police to assess whether "homophobic assumptions" influenced lapses in the original investigation.

Hertfordshire Police said they could not comment on the cases specifics but emphasized their commitment to fostering positive relations with LGBTQ+ communities. The BBC also spoke to families of other victims affected by Grindr-related blackmail, highlighting concerns over the polices understanding of crimes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.

Case of Scott Gough

In March 2024, Cameron Tewson was at his partner Scott Goughs home in Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire, when six men demanded the keys to Goughs new car. The gang, described as "white and in their mid-20s," fled when Tewson contacted the police and a neighbor. However, they left a note addressed to the "owner of a white Range Rover," including the cars registration and a phone number, with a message urging Gough to call.

Gough, 56, was hesitant to discuss the incident, preferring to handle it through the police. Tewson suspected that his partner had been using Grindr and was trying to hide it. The following day, Tewson discovered Goughs body while on a call with authorities. A coroner later confirmed that Gough died by asphyxiation. The full circumstances surrounding his death are still being examined.

Tewson reported that the police appeared dismissive when Grindr was mentioned. Documents later revealed that the phone number used by the gang was already linked to previous blackmail investigations. Despite tracing the gangs vehicle, the police did not question potential suspects, collect forensic evidence from the note, or examine garbage left behind. No arrests were made.

IOPC Findings and Gang Activity

Tewson filed complaints with both the Hertfordshire Police professional standards department and the IOPC. The IOPC found that Goughs blackmail and its potential connection to his death had not been thoroughly investigated, and subsequent complaints were mishandled. The report noted additional blackmail attempts using the same phone number within 10 days of Goughs death. In these cases, victims arranging Grindr meetings were confronted by men posing as "paedophile hunters," although no police-supported intelligence confirmed this claim. Officers treated the men as individuals needing safeguarding rather than potential extortionists.

The IOPC requested Hertfordshire Police to revisit aspects of Goughs case and Tewsons complaint. Supt Owen Pyle, the LGBTQ+ strategic lead, reaffirmed the forces commitment to eliminating discrimination and ensuring victims are treated with sensitivity.

Additional Victim: Liam McHale

Another victim, 24-year-old Liam McHale from Buckinghamshire, died nine weeks after Gough. McHale had been blackmailed on Grindr by a man falsely claiming to be underage. Despite reporting the issue to police, he was advised to wait until the next day due to alcohol consumption. McHale was later found dead, with a coroner citing asphyxiation and drug intoxication. Authorities are still investigating whether McHale and Gough were targeted by the same gang, and no arrests have been made in either case.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing. The IOPC deemed no further action necessary regarding McHales case but continues to engage with LGBTQ+ communities to improve understanding of such crimes.

Challenges of Online Dating App Crimes

Legal experts highlight difficulties in tackling crimes on dating platforms. Natalie Sherborn of Withers law firm stated that while digital evidence exists, identifying offenders is complex, and dating apps must balance safety improvements with privacy concerns. Grindr emphasized its efforts to maintain a safe environment while cooperating with law enforcement and minimizing unnecessary data collection.

The IOPC reiterated its commitment to working with LGBTQ+ organizations and expressed condolences to the families affected, acknowledging their need for answers regarding the police response.

Support and resources for those impacted by similar issues are available through the BBC Actionline website.

Analysis: Police Response to Grindr-Related Blackmail and Tragic Losses

The recent investigation into Grindr-related blackmail cases has raised significant concerns about law enforcement's handling of sensitive crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The tragic deaths of Scott Gough and Liam McHale, both allegedly victims of extortion, have highlighted gaps in police response and investigative practices. Both victims were blackmailed through the popular dating app, with their subsequent deaths drawing critical attention to the police's failure to act swiftly and comprehensively.

Authorities, particularly Hertfordshire Police, are under scrutiny for their delayed response and lack of action in the aftermath of Gough’s death. Despite clear evidence linking the blackmail gang to previous cases, there was little effort to apprehend suspects or secure crucial forensic evidence. This neglect has prompted the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to request a review of the investigation. The IOPC's findings indicate that the police may have been influenced by "homophobic assumptions," which may have led to significant lapses in their approach to the case.

The broader issue at hand is the difficulty of investigating crimes involving online dating apps, where perpetrators can operate anonymously, making identification and prosecution challenging. While platforms like Grindr have made efforts to improve safety, the balance between privacy and security remains a contentious issue. Legal experts point to the challenges of gathering digital evidence without violating privacy rights, and the need for dating apps to cooperate more effectively with law enforcement while ensuring user safety.

The ongoing investigations into both Gough and McHale's deaths underscore the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to better understand and address crimes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. As public pressure mounts, there is a clear call for a more robust, sensitive, and proactive approach to handling such cases, as well as a more thorough examination of how biases may affect police conduct.

Sources:

• Police accused of 'homophobic assumptions' over victims of blackmail on Grindr