Jonathan Carl, 42, of Station Road, was sentenced to 17 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on August 29.
He was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Carl was found guilty of one count of rape and pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm on June 11.
A police investigation was launched in January 2024 after allegations of rape were reported by two men.
The offences took place in August 2023 and October 2022.
Detectives swiftly arrested Carl on January 25, 2024, to prevent any further offending.
Carl was identified through digital download examinations and co-location data from the victim and suspects phones.
Carl was charged with rape and grievous bodily harm on February 4, 2024, in relation to the allegations made in January 2024.
An in-depth digital analysis of Carl’s mobile phone, including phone calls, social media messages, and cell site information, revealed that Carl had used multiple dating apps, including Grindr and Scruff, to meet men.
Detectives believe Carl had sexual contact with up to 400 men over four years.
So far, 82 men have been identified and spoken to.
They were advised by the NHS after being informed of Carl’s health status.
However, detectives believe there are hundreds more who may still be unaware.
Two victims have courageously come forward to share the impact Carl had on them.
One victim said: “[I felt] powerless, I felt like there was nothing I could do.
“It made me feel like I didn’t matter, it made me feel less than human.
“The main reason I came forward to police is because I wanted to stop this from happening to anyone else.”
Another victim said: “It has damaged me from having any sort of romantic relationship in the future, due to people’s overall thoughts on HIV.
“It makes me fry my brain as I overthink about what I could have done differently.
“I still struggle with this guilty feeling.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bishop, who led the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, said: “Our investigation uncovered the scale of Carl’s offending and ensured he was brought to justice.
“But we remain extremely concerned about the wellbeing of those who have not yet been identified.
“We believe as many as 318 men may be a victim and might need to come forward for testing and support.
“You may have met Carl through an online dating platform, or visited his home address in Hornchurch, which is distinctively located above a fish and chip shop.
“Your health and wellbeing are our absolute priority.
“We are working closely with NHS partners and charities to ensure anyone affected can access confidential testing, advice, and support.
“Please be assured you are not alone – we are here to help.”
It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly transmit an STI under the Offences Against the Person Act, which amounts to grievous bodily harm.
Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273 or email survivors@met.police.uk.
To contact police, you can dial 101 or use the online reporting system and state reference CAD2972/19Sept25.
You can also seek confidential support through NHS sexual health services or charities.
To remain anonymous,you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
