Man who used dating app to rob men jailed for further two years
A man who used a dating app to target and rob men after having sex with them has been jailed for a further two years after more victims came forward.
Anouar Sabbar, 29, of Cole Street, Southwark, was sentenced to two years and three months at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday.
He previously pleaded guilty to seven counts of blackmail, two counts of attempted fraud, and theft at the same court in June.
Detective Inspector Arif Sharif said: “Anour Sabbar is a dangerous and predatory individual who intentionally targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community, believing that shame or embarrassment would prevent his victims from coming forward.
“I commend the bravery shown by his victims in reporting these incidents. There may still be others out there who were exploited by Sabbar. Please get in touch with us – we are here to listen to you and will take what you say incredibly seriously. You will be treated with sensitivity and in confidence.”
Sabbar would seek out and meet men on Grindr. After consensual sex, Sabbar would state he was an escort and demand money from the victims.
He also threatened to use violence or blackmail in order to intimidate the men, who were aged in their 30s.
The offences that he was sentenced for took place between August 2018 and March 2021. He stole a total of £870 from the victims during this time.
During one of the incidents in 2018, a victim refused to pay Sabbar, so he told him that a group of people would visit his home and beat him up.
In another incident, Sabbar blackmailed a victim to transfer him money and lied to him that the money had not gone through. He then even forged a letter purporting to be from the bank confirming this.
During one of the incidents, Sabbar had sipped from a glass inside a victim’s home. This allowed police forensic investigators to retrieve his DNA and link him to the offence.
Sabbar was previously sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, January 20.
He pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud, five counts of blackmail, robbery and theft at the same court on November 8, 2021.
Pictured top: Anouar Sabbar (Picture: The Met)