Nation

Teens Scheme to Trap ‘Paedophiles’ on Dating Apps, Extort Thousands

2025-07-04

Author: John Tan

Cunning Scheme Unveiled in Singapore

In a shocking turn of events, two teenage boys in Singapore have been caught impersonating minors on dating apps, targeting alleged 'paedophiles' to extort money from them. These audacious teens used deception to lure unsuspecting adults into compromising positions, leading to a crime that has left the community in disbelief.

The Disturbing Encounter

One of their male victims, a 24-year-old man, believed he was meeting a 15-year-old boy for an encounter. When he arrived at their prearranged location, he was confronted by the teenagers, one of whom filmed the encounter on a mobile phone. Only after coercing him to withdraw $2,000 did they delete the footage.

Mastermind Pleads Guilty

The mastermind behind this shocking operation, 19-year-old Shaaqir Noor’rifqy Mohammed Noorrizat, has pleaded guilty to one count of extortion, with additional charges looming. His accomplice, a minor whose identity remains protected due to his age, is still awaiting trial.

A Calculated Trap

Assistant Public Prosecutor Chye Jer Yuan detailed how Shaaqir devised this sinister plan. The boys disguised themselves as underage individuals on platforms like Grindr and Telegram, which are often frequented by those seeking illicit interactions. Their target on November 6, 2024, was also lured through Grindr, leading to the alarming confrontation at a Bukit Batok void deck.

Threats and Coercion

During their encounter, the teenagers aggressively confronted the man about his intentions, hinting at the potential involvement of law enforcement if he refused to comply with their demands. They offered to keep the incident confidential in exchange for cash, compelling him to withdraw the staggering amount.

Immediate Arrest and Legal Consequences

The teens were apprehended later that evening, with authorities yet to disclose the chain of events that led to their capture. Meanwhile, court proceedings continue, with Shaaqir undergoing assessments to determine his suitability for rehabilitation and reformative training—a stringent program aimed at correcting the behavior of young offenders.

Community Outcry

This incident has sparked outrage within the community, raising questions about the safety of individuals on online platforms and the desperation of the teenagers involved. As the world becomes increasingly digital, cases like these serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows of the online dating scene.