Rapist may have hundreds of victims, Met says
Metropolitan Police warn hundreds of potential victims may exist as investigators identify 82 men for HIV screening after the case involving Jonathan Carl; authorities say the investigation could reveal more victims
The Metropolitan Police said a man described as very predatory may have hundreds of other victims. Jonathan Carl, 42, of Hornchurch, was jailed for 17 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court last month after being found guilty of rape; he had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm in June. Police said the investigation indicates he targeted people he met on gay dating apps, and investigators recovered more than 400 digital contacts aged 17 to 60 on Grindr and Scruff over four years.
Two of Carl's victims, who had met socially, described similar experiences and reported him to Romford police station, prompting investigators to review his activity. The force recovered more than 400 digital contacts aged between 17 and 60 across four years on gay dating apps including Grindr and Scruff.
Det Supt Lewis Basford told the BBC that the contents of message exchanges showed that some victims challenged him on acts that would meet the legal definition of rape. He said Carl made the decision not to take medication for his HIV and had lied about his status in encounters. While the law does not require disclosure of HIV status to people met online, Basford said investigators could prove that Carl acted with recklessness in transmission, given the facts in hand.
On the health implications, the Met said at least 82 men have been identified and fast-tracked into NHS screening after being informed of Carl's health status. The force emphasised that every victim-survivor has a choice about whether to speak to police or seek medical help.
Victims describe enduring impacts from the encounters. One survivor said he felt powerless because there was little he could do to prevent harm. He said reporting Carl was intended to stop this from happening to others. Another said the experience has damaged his ability to pursue romantic relationships and he continues to wrestle with guilt and overthinking about what could have been done differently.
The case underlines the risk present in online dating networks when personal health information is not disclosed and individuals do not follow safety protocols. The Metropolitan Police noted that the investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone who may have had contact with Carl to come forward. Officials stressed that pursuing legal channels and medical screening remains the appropriate course for affected individuals.