Malta: man remanded in custody over alleged assaults and robberies linked to Grindr

In Malta, a 25-year-old man was remanded in custody after facing allegations of kidnapping, aggravated robbery and violent assaults involving men he allegedly met through Grindr.

A case reported in Malta is highlighting once again the dangers that can arise from meetings arranged through dating apps. According to The Malta Independent, a 25-year-old man from Qormi was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a series of serious charges involving men he allegedly met through a dating platform.

The prosecution claims that the accused lured men to his residence under the pretext of sexual encounters, before the situations allegedly escalated into violence, extortion and robbery. The charges mainly stem from an incident in the early hours of 1 January 2026. Police were alerted after a victim was found bleeding, traumatised and in distress near the suspect’s home.

According to the first alleged victim, he had met the accused on Grindr and had gone to the residence after being invited over to have fun. He told police that after sexual activity, he was allegedly held against his will, threatened for money and faced an attempt to take his mobile phone. He eventually managed to escape. During his escape, he reportedly saw two other people in the flat, said to be the suspect’s mother and grandmother.

Investigators later identified a second alleged victim who described a similar encounter. He also said he had met the accused through the same app. Once at the residence, he became suspicious after realising the man did not match the online profile. When he tried to leave, he alleged that the accused locked the door, slammed his head against a wall and threatened him with a frying pan. Fearing for his life, he said he was taken to an ATM in Qormi, withdrew 40 euros and handed the money over before being allowed to leave.

The report also says the arrest was difficult. The accused allegedly fled when officers first tried to apprehend him. Police later returned to the residence, forced entry and used a taser to subdue him. Two officers were slightly injured during the operation. He also faces additional charges linked to breaching bail conditions and allegedly committing offences during a probation period. The defence did not request bail and the court ordered that he remain in custody.