Calgary police warn of man who allegedly preyed on women using dating apps

Calgary police have released a photo of this man, Ali Kiani, 43, in order to warn the public about his illegal activities involving women on online dating apps. (Supplied/CPS)

Calgary police are warning the public about a man they say used online dating apps to contact women with the intention of sexually assaulting them.

Officials say they were alerted by a victim in February 2024 who said she’d been exchanging messages with a man named “Alex.”

A week after they began communicating, the victim met him 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,” police said in a news release.

Alex left her home and the victim later reported the assault to police.

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After the attack, Alex deleted his profile on the dating app and disabled his cellphone.

An investigation by police determined the man had created a fake dating profile to conceal his real identity.

Police soon learned he had accounts on several dating apps and regularly used fake names and profiles.

Investigators identified him as Ali Kiani, 43.

A court check confirms a 43-year-old Ali Kiani or his lawyer is scheduled to appear before a judge in Calgary on Thursday, for a charge of sexual assault from February 2024.

The matter in court is set for election and plea.

Police are releasing Kiani’s name and photo to protect the public.

He is described as 183 centimetres (6’) tall, 88 kilograms (195 pounds) with a medium build.

Officials hope, by releasing this information, it will prevent further attacks.

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

With files from Damien Wood