Man accused of assaulting women he meets on dating apps, Calgary police issue public warning

Calgary police are issuing a warning to the public about a man they say is using online dating apps to meet women and sexually assault them.

Investigators say last month, a woman began exchanging messages with a man who identified himself as “Alex” on a dating app.

The pair messaged back-and-forth several times before meeting for the first time a week later at a local coffee shop.

The next day “Alex” asked to spend more time with the woman and asked to meet at her home, to which she agreed.

Upon arrival, the man sexually assaulted the woman. Police say “Alex” left the woman’s home a short time later.

She immediately contacted police.

Police say the man quickly deleted his profile from the app and blocked access to his cellphone subscriber information.

Calgary’s Sexual Assault Investigative Unit began an investigation, and later determined the man created an online dating profile using the fake name of “Alex” and exchanged messages under the fake profile.

Investigators now believe the man frequents dating apps and use fake names and profiles to meet women.

The man has since been identified as 43-year-old old Ali Kiani. He is described as six feet tall, 195 pounds, with a medium build.

The Calgary Police Service is issuing this warning after careful deliberation and consideration of all related issues, including privacy concerns. The agency believes it is in the public interest to inform the community of Kiani’s behaviour.

This information is being shared so members of the public can take precautionary measures and not take any vigilante action.

“I want to thank the victim for coming forward to report this sexual assault,” 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 happened.

Those with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.