Police in Melbourne have arrested and charged five teenagers in relation to a series of incidents in which they allegedly assaulted, robbed and sexually assaulted men they had lured through dating apps.
The arrests are the latest in a wave of similar incidents investigated by Victoria Police in recent years, with more than 50 people arrested as part of ongoing investigations.
Police allege groups of offenders have posed as legitimate users of dating platforms to lure men into meeting them. Victims were then allegedly assaulted, robbed, threatened and subjected to homophobic abuse.
The five arrests were made by the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit last week following reports of 11 alleged incidents.
Those arrested include a 16-year-old boy who has been charged with robbery, armed robbery, obtaining property by deception and intentionally causing injury. He has been remanded in custody.
An 18-year-old man from Dandenong has been charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted robbery, sexual assault, intentionally causing injury and obtaining property by deception. He has also been remanded.
A second 16-year-old boy has been charged with kidnapping, robbery, attempted robbery and intentionally causing injury.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged and remanded over allegations including armed robbery, obtaining property by deception, intentionally causing injury and sexual assault.
The fifth person arrested, an 18-year-old man, has been charged with robbery, sexual assault and intentionally causing injury.
Police say incidents have occurred across Victoria, particularly in local government areas including Manningham, Casey, Hume, Kingston and Knox.
A total of 113 incidents have been reported to police since January 2024. Of those, 75 were reported during 2024, with a further 27 reported during 2025 and 11 reported so far this year.
Victoria Police said it treats incidents of this nature with the utmost seriousness and urged anyone who has experienced similar behaviour to come forward and make a report.
Southern Metro Region Investigation and Response Acting Inspector Jarrod Dwyer described the allegations as serious criminal offending.
“This behaviour isn’t just concerning; it’s a serious criminal offence. There is no place for it in our society and it will not be tolerated by police.
“This would no doubt have been a distressing situation for the victims involved, and these arrests show just how serious we are about holding offenders to account.
“Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.
“We take any report of crime extremely seriously and urge anyone who has experienced this behaviour to come forward and make a report so we can investigate.
“It is never too late to make a report. When you’re ready, please speak to us. The more we know, the more we can do something about it and keep victims safe.”
