Recent violent incidents in British Columbia have prompted a dual response from the RCMP and 2SLGBTQ+ advocates. The focus is on targeted violence against men using dating apps, specifically Grindr, following two high-profile cases.
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- January 2026 (Kamloops): The death of Muhammad “Ash” Zafar remains under active investigation. RCMP took the rare step of specifically warning the “men-seeking-men” community, suspecting Zafar was targeted via an app.
- January 2026 (Vancouver): A life sentence was recently handed down for the 2024 murder of Alexander Lo, who was killed by a man he met on Grindr. The sentencing has served as a grim reminder of the potential for “predatory “catfishing.”
Essential Safety Checklist
Advocacy groups like Egale Canada emphasize that while the responsibility for violence lies solely with the perpetrator, users can take steps to mitigate risk:
- Digital Vet: Use in-app video calls to verify identity before meeting.
- Public Ground: Never meet at a private residence for the first time; stick to coffee shops or busy parks.
- Exit Strategy: Tell a friend where you are going and set a “safety text” time.
- Data Trails: Keep conversations on the app until you meet; moving to encrypted apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) too early can make it harder for police to track evidence if something goes wrong.
Community Impact
Advocates warn that these aren’t just isolated crimes; they are part of a broader rise in targeted hate. Police are urging anyone with information on the Kamloops case to come forward, promising that interactions with investigators will be handled with sensitivity toward the victim’s and witnesses’ privacy.
