Men sentenced for dating app robbery
Five men who used a dating app to target and rob unsuspecting victims of thousands of pounds have been sentenced.
Demalji Hadza, 21, Abubaker Alezawy, 21, Ali Hassan, 20, Wasiim Omar, 24, and Mohammed Sharif, 23, were sentenced today (13 January 2025) at Birmingham Crown Court.
They had previously been convicted at the same court on 18 September 2024 for conspiracy to commit robbery.
From September 2024: Men convicted of dating app robbery
Demalji Hadza was sentenced to 16 years and two months' imprisonment.
Abubaker Alezawy was sentenced to 16 years and five months' imprisonment.
Ali Hassan was sentenced to 16 years and nine months' imprisonment.
Wasiim Omar was sentenced to 17 years and three months' imprisonment.
Mohammed Sharif was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.
Georgina Davies, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The sentences handed down today send a clear message that those who exploit trust to commit violent and predatory crimes will face the full weight of the law.
"These defendants targeted victims in particularly vulnerable situations. The CPS prosecuted the case as a hate crime, which carries with it an increased sentence to fully reflect the gravity of offending that is motivated by hostility based on sexual orientation'
“We hope these sentences provide some comfort to the victims and reassurance to communities who may feel particularly impacted by such crimes. Everyone should feel safe and confident when engaging with others, whether in person or online.
“The public can trust that the CPS remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting victims and upholding justice for all.”
Notes to editors
- Georgina Davies is a Senior Crown Prosecutor from the Complex Casework Unit in CPS West Midlands.
- Demalji Hadza, DOB: 7 Mar 2003 (21 years old) of Erskine Street, Birmingham, convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.
- Abubaker Alezawy, DOB: 29 Aug 2003 (21 years old) , of Baverstock Road, Birmingham, convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977
- Ali Hassan, DOB: 31 Oct 2003 (20 years old) of Albert Road, Lozells and East Handsworth, Birmingham, convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.
- Wasiim Omar, DOB: 6 Aug 2000 (24 years old) of Wardlow Road, Birmingham, convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.
- Mohammed Sharif, DOB: 19 Dec 2001 (23 years old) of Keer Court, Birmingham, convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 and transferring criminal property, contrary to section 327(1)//(d) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.