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Warning: This story contains distressing content and references to suicide.
Watchdog probes police response to Grindr blackmail cases
Hertfordshire Police face questions after five suspected blackmail cases linked to a single gang operating on the gay dating app Grindr went unchecked, the BBC has found. At least two victims died following encounters with the group, which remains at large.
Tragic outcomes
In one case, a 56-year-old man took his own life within 24 hours of a gang arriving at his home to demand his new Range Rover. Scott Gough, who worked at a car dealership, was targeted at his Chandler's Cross residence in March 2024. Six men left a threatening note with his vehicle's number plate and a phone number, warning: "I think it's in your best interest to give me a call."
His partner, Cameron Tewson, told police Mr Gough had used Grindr before but was reluctant to discuss the incident. The next day, Mr Tewson discovered Mr Gough's body in their bedroom. A coroner later ruled the death was caused by asphyxiation, though an inquest into the full circumstances remains open.
Police oversights revealed
Documents obtained by the BBC show the phone number used by the gang was already known to Hertfordshire Police from a previous blackmail investigation. Officers traced the vehicle used by the suspects but never questioned them. No forensic evidence-such as fingerprints or DNA-was collected from the note or discarded items at the scene.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found the force made "several errors" in its investigation and failed to treat Mr Gough's death as suspicious. The watchdog has ordered Hertfordshire Police to re-examine the case and address complaints about its handling.
"When it came up in conversations I felt like it was just a complete disregard,"
Cameron Tewson, partner of Scott Gough
Pattern of targeting
The IOPC report uncovered multiple suspected blackmail cases in the same region, with four linked to the same gang. In a separate incident, 24-year-old fashion student Liam McHale died nine weeks after Mr Gough. His mother, Julie Rice, said he confided in friends about being blackmailed by a man on Grindr who falsely claimed to be underage. Mr McHale reported the incident to police but was told to wait until the next day due to alcohol consumption.
He was found dead the following morning. A coroner ruled his death was caused by asphyxiation and drug intoxication but returned an inconclusive verdict on intent. Thames Valley Police took 18 months to secure access to his phone and laptop, and no arrests have been made. Mrs Rice said the case "feels like it's been swept under the mat."
Systemic failures
The IOPC upheld a complaint that Hertfordshire Police's investigation into Mr Gough's death was inadequate, citing "homophobic assumptions" as a potential factor. The watchdog has called for a review of the force's handling of LGBTQ+ cases, including its response to Mr Tewson's complaints.
Hertfordshire Police declined to comment on specifics but said it is "committed to eliminating discrimination" against the LGBTQ+ community. Superintendent Owen Pyle, the force's LGBTQ+ strategic lead, acknowledged the need to ensure victims feel comfortable reporting crimes.
Charities warn that crimes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals on dating apps are underreported due to inconsistent police responses. Bridget Symonds of Galop, an LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, said: "It really is a lottery and it depends on who you're dealing with, where you are in the country."
Calls for accountability
Natalie Sherborn, a legal expert at Withers law firm, said dating apps have struggled to address crimes like blackmail and harassment. While digital footprints exist, she noted that identifying perpetrators can be challenging. She suggested apps could enhance safety by collecting more user data but cautioned against privacy risks.
Grindr told the BBC it prioritizes user safety and cooperates with law enforcement while minimizing data collection to protect users who may not be publicly out. The IOPC said it engages regularly with LGBTQ+ organizations to address concerns about police conduct.
The BBC has been unable to confirm whether the same gang targeted both Mr Gough and Mr McHale. Thames Valley Police said its investigation into blackmail remains ongoing but declined to comment on individual grievances outside the formal complaints process.
