Man remanded in custody after kidnapping, robbing other men through dating app

A man from Qormi has pleaded not guilty after he allegedly lured men into his home, assaulted and robbed them.

Nathan Magri, unemployed, 25, faces a series of serious charges, including grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and injuring two police officers, after allegedly luring victims through a dating app for sexual activity and assaulting, extorting and robbing them.

The charges stem primarily from an incident in the early hours of 1 January 2026, when police were alerted at around 5:30am that a victim was found in a distressed and traumatised state, while bleeding near the accused’s home. An ambulance was called to assist him.

After the victim came to his senses, he reported that he had met the accused through the Grindr dating application. After being invited to the accused’s home under the pretext of “having fun,” the two engaged in sexual activity, after which the situation allegedly escalated.

The victim told police he was held against his will and threatened for money. When he refused, the accused allegedly demanded money and then attempted to take his mobile phone. The victim pleaded to be released and managed to escape. He reported seeing two other people in the flat during his escape, who were the mother and grandmother of the accused. 

In light of this, the police conducted an investigation, requesting further details of the accused from the Grindr corporation itself, which were answered in recent weeks. 

A second alleged victim described a similar encounter. He also met the accused through the same app and went to the residence, but became suspicious and uncomfortable upon arrival, realising the person did not match the profile. When he attempted to leave, he claimed the accused locked the door, slammed his head against a wall, and threatened him with a frying pan. The victim had initially been reluctant to report the incident due to personal and religious reasons, but was eventually persuaded by the police to come forward. 

Fearing further violence and for his life, the second victim told the accused he had €40 in his bank account. He was escorted to an ATM near the church of San Bastjan in Qormi, withdrew the money, handed it over, and was then allowed to leave.

The victim also provided details of the residence by distinctive features, including fairy lights and a picture frame bearing the accused’s name.

The court heard that Magri greatly resisted arrest. When officers attempted to apprehend him as he went to sign his bail book, he allegedly panicked and fled. Police later went to his residence, where his family members refused to open the door. As officers attempted forced entry, he reportedly climbed to the roof, jumped three storeys and escaped.

He was eventually arrested later that night after police returned to the residence. Officers had to break down the door and use a taser to subdue him. Moreover, two officers sustained slight injuries during the arrest. Magri was taken to the hospital and discharged earlier today.

He faces additional charges of breaching bail conditions and committing offences during a probation period.

Magri is also charged with injuring a police officer and resisting arrest.

The defence did not request bail.

Magistrate Monica Vella presided over the sitting. The prosecution was led by Inspector James Mallia, while legal aid lawyer Martina Herrera appeared for the accused.

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