A chilling pattern of systematic targeting has emerged from an ongoing Victorian inquiry into hate crimes, where international students, especially those from countries where homosexuality is criminalised, are being extorted through gay dating apps. Lured into meetings under false pretences, victims have been subjected to physical assaults, filmed, and coerced into paying tens of thousands of pounds to prevent their intimate videos being shared with family members back home.
According to Chad Hughes, Chief Executive of Thorne Harbour Health, an LGBTIQ+ health service, police have identified 95 such attacks targeting gay and bisexual men across Victoria since June 2024, resulting in 42 arrests. However, Hughes expressed concern that the actual number of incidents is likely significantly higher due to victims' lack of trust in law enforcement and fear of the consequences if their sexuality becomes known to their families overseas.
Jenna Tuke, Chief Executive of Switchboard Victoria, corroborated this, highlighting instances where victims were forced to deposit large sums into accounts to prevent videos from being shared with their contacts. The inquiry heard that perpetrators specifically target individuals perceived to be 'closeted', for whom the repercussions of being outed as gay or queer would be most severe.
David Brown, a victim who was attacked by two teenagers after arranging a meeting through a dating app, described the experience as "pure hatred", highlighting the severity and targeted nature of these assaults. The inquiry has also uncovered evidence that footage of these humiliating attacks is being shared online, particularly within 'manosphere' communities, suggesting a deliberate and organised nature to these hate crimes.
Disturbingly, some offenders are reportedly as young as 13, while the inquiry is also examining the role of anti-LGBTQ+ influencers who have been promoting "methods of attack" online. This dimension underscores the broader societal implications of online hate speech and its potential to incite real-world violence.
The ongoing inquiry's findings could lead to significant recommendations for improving victim support, law enforcement responses, and addressing online incitement to hate. For British nationals residing or travelling in Australia, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises taking extra precautions when using dating apps and reporting any incidents of harassment or violence to local authorities.