Miami Man Arrested After Attempting to Solicit Minor Through Dating App

Baran Pourtahmazeb-Sasi, 41, of Miami, was taken into custody Thursday on multiple charges stemming from alleged communications with a minor, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say Pourtahmazeb-Sasi matched with an individual on the dating platform Bumble on August 7, though unbeknownst to him, the person was part of Vitaly, an online watchdog group whose participants pose as underage individuals to identify predatory behavior.

The conversation escalated when messages moved to text on August 9, with Pourtahmazeb-Sasi allegedly engaging in sexually explicit dialogue with the person posing as a 15-year-old high school student. According to the arrest report, he made comments referencing oral sex and masturbation while also offering to teach the supposed minor about sexual activity.

Pourtahmazeb-Sasi sent a photograph of himself in military attire and claimed prior Army service. He subsequently proposed meeting at a BurgerFi restaurant in Delray Beach, where he allegedly stated his intention to perform oral sex and engage in sexual intercourse with the girl.

The suspect later rearranged plans to meet at a Dunkin’ location in Pompano Beach. On Tuesday around 6 p.m., Pourtahmazeb-Sasi arrived at the establishment, where Vitaly members were waiting. The encounter was broadcast live on the streaming platform Kick before BSO deputies arrested him.

Pourtahmazeb-Sasi faces charges including solicitation of a minor, traveling to meet a minor for sexual purposes, and possession of harmful material involving a minor. He was being held at the Broward County Main Jail as of Friday morning, with bond determination pending.