ZURICH – A Swiss district court has sentenced two men to significant prison terms for a series of violent robberies that specifically targeted gay men through the dating platform Romeo. The court in Bülach found the pair guilty of orchestrating a scheme where they would arrange dates, only to lead their victims into ambushes.
The main perpetrators, a 30-year-old Swiss national and a 23-year-old Brazilian, received sentences of six and six-and-a-half years, respectively. The younger man also faces an eight-year ban from entering Switzerland upon his release.
A Pattern of Deception and Brutality
According to court findings, the crimes took place in the late summer of 2023. The duo's method was consistent and calculated:
- The 30-year-old would use a profile on Romeo, a popular dating app within the gay community, to connect with potential victims.
- He would arrange to meet for what was presented as a paid sexual encounter.
- Instead of a date, the victims were directed to isolated forest areas where they were ambushed by the two men, who wore balaclavas to conceal their identities.
The attacks were marked by extreme violence. The perpetrators not only threatened their victims with a softair pistol but also subjected them to severe physical assaults. In one reported case, a man was beaten so badly he suffered broken ribs and a concussion. Another victim was kicked and beaten while on the ground as a pistol was held to his head. The court heard how the men were systematically robbed of their valuables after being violently subdued.
Capture and Conviction
The crime spree ended when police, who had already placed the men under surveillance, intervened as they were planning another attack. Investigators discovered the pair were preparing to target a previous victim again, hoping to force him to reveal the code to a safe. The timely police action prevented further harm.
While the prosecution had sought sentences of up to 11.5 years, the court delivered the six-year terms, bringing a measure of justice for the victims. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of meeting strangers from online platforms and the importance of taking precautions. Safety experts consistently advise arranging first meetings in public, well-lit places and informing a friend of your plans.
