Police warn of man using online dating apps to victimize women
In the interest of public safety, the Calgary Police Service is issuing a warning regarding a man who is believed to be interacting with women on online dating apps while using a false identity. This individual has been charged with one count of sexual assault against a victim he met on a dating app using a false identity.
In February 2024, the victim began exchanging messages through an online dating app with a man who identified himself as ‘Alex.’ Several messages were exchanged prior to their first in-person meeting, which occurred approximately a week later at a local coffee shop.
The following day, Alex asked to spend more time with the victim, this time requesting to come to her home. The victim agreed, and when Alex arrived at the victim’s home, he began sexually assaulting her. He departed the residence shortly after, and the victim immediately reported the sexual assault to police.
Alex quickly deleted his profile from the dating app and blocked access to his cellphone subscriber information.
Our Sexual Assault Investigative Unit began an investigation, and it was later determined the man created an online dating profile using the falsified name of Alex and exchanged messages with the victim under the fictitious alias.
As the investigation progressed, our investigators were able to identify the suspect and it is believed he frequents several dating apps and uses falsified names and profiles to meet victims.
We have identified the man as Ali KIANI, 43, of Calgary. He is described as approximately 6’ tall, 195 pounds, with a medium build.
A photo of KIANI is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
The Calgary Police Service is issuing this warning after careful deliberation and consideration of all related issues, including privacy concerns, in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform the members of the community of the behaviour of KIANI.
Members of the public are advised that the intent of the process is to enable members of the public to take suitable precautionary measures and not to embark on any form of vigilante action.
Note: This information is being shared in the interest of public safety under Section 40(1)(ee) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
“I want to thank the victim for coming forward to report this sexual assault,” says Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson of the Calgary Police Service Sexual Assault Investigative Unit. “After an extensive investigation, we were able to identify the man responsible and hopefully prevent him from victimizing others who he has come in contact with via online dating apps.”
Anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to report it regardless of when it occurred, and anyone with information about this, or similar incidents, is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
CA24084285/5395
