Grindr User Extorted of $100,000 by Paraguayan Gang Posing as Dates

A man from Paraná, Brazil, lost approximately R$ 100,000 (about $19,000 USD) after arranging a meeting through the Grindr dating app in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. He was allegedly abducted by a gang specializing in kidnapping and extorting Brazilians. According to Paraguayan National Police, the group operates primarily in the San Rafael neighborhood and follows a pattern of luring, kidnapping, and forcing victims to make bank transfers and take out loans. The victim, who was in Foz do Iguaçu for work, crossed the border to meet someone he connected with on Grindr. Instead of proceeding to the agreed-upon location, he was taken to a wooded area where he was held captive for over 12 hours, subjected to physical abuse and death threats. Paraguayan police officer Donato Escobar stated that this scheme is well-known, with his precinct handling around 20 similar cases in recent years, predominantly involving Brazilian victims. This year alone, eight cases have been registered in the region. The criminals demanded access to the victim's phone to facilitate loans, use credit cards, and conduct bank transfers, threatening to kill him and dispose of his body. Despite some fraudulent transactions being canceled by a bank, the victim claims other financial institutions have not yet recognized the fraud. He managed to escape after being abandoned and reported the incident to the Paraguayan and Brazilian police. Paraguayan authorities have increased patrols in the San Rafael area and are providing tourist advisories. Grindr has stated it condemns the criminal use of its platform and is collaborating with authorities, reinforcing safety measures such as alerts for users in high-risk areas and recommendations for public first meetings.