Simon Leviev, the ‘Tinder Swindler,’ Arrested in Georgia

A Notorious Con Artist

Simon Leviev, the infamous con artist known as the “Tinder Swindler,” has been arrested in Georgia, according to local officials. This arrest comes at the request of Interpol and took place shortly after Leviev arrived at Batumi airport in the southwestern region of the country. The news was confirmed by Georgia’s Interior Ministry on Monday.

Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Yehuda Hayut, gained worldwide notoriety following the release of the 2022 Netflix documentary *The Tinder Swindler*. The film detailed Leviev’s elaborate scheme to defraud women out of significant sums of money, with estimates suggesting that he may have swindled up to $10 million (£7.4 million) during his operations.

Background on the Tinder Swindler

Leviev’s tactics involved creating a false online persona, portraying himself as a wealthy heir to a diamond fortune. Utilizing the dating app Tinder, he lured women into romantic relationships, often showcasing an extravagant lifestyle filled with private jets and luxurious holidays. His victims recounted their experiences in the documentary, revealing how he won their trust through lavish gifts and romantic gestures. However, as the relationships progressed, Leviev would fabricate stories about being pursued by dangerous enemies, prompting him to request substantial loans from his partners, which he never repaid.

One of the women featured in the documentary, Cecilie Fjellhøy, claimed to have given Leviev over $270,000 throughout their relationship. Another victim, Iren Tranov, filed a lawsuit against him in Israel last year, demanding 414,000 shekels (£91,000) after lending him more than 144,000 shekels (£31,000) that he failed to return.

Previous Convictions and Legal Issues

Leviev’s criminal history includes a conviction in 2019 for four counts of fraud, for which he received a 15-month prison sentence. However, he was released after serving only five months. Following his release, Leviev reportedly traveled freely around the world, raising questions about his ongoing activities and legal status.

After his recent arrest, Leviev’s lawyer spoke to reporters, stating that they were still unclear about the reasons behind his detention. The lawyer indicated that they had communicated with Leviev shortly after his arrest but had not yet received further details.

Allegations of Abuse

In addition to the financial fraud, Leviev has faced serious allegations of emotional and physical abuse. Kate Konlin, a former girlfriend, accused him of abusive behavior during their relationship. She recounted a particularly distressing incident where Leviev allegedly pushed her during an argument, causing her to injure her foot. Konlin described the emotional turmoil she experienced, saying, “I was bleeding. I felt dead. I wanted to kill myself.” After this incident, she sought medical attention and subsequently filed a police complaint against him. Leviev has denied these allegations, asserting that he has never physically harmed any woman.

The Impact of the Documentary

The Netflix documentary *The Tinder Swindler* became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in February 2022, quickly becoming the most-watched documentary on the platform in 90 countries. It not only brought Leviev’s fraudulent activities to light but also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in the realm of online dating. The film sparked discussions about the safety of online platforms and the measures that can be taken to protect users from similar scams.

Current Developments

As of now, details surrounding Leviev’s arrest in Georgia remain limited. Authorities have not disclosed specific reasons for his detention, and it is unclear what legal proceedings he may face moving forward. The case continues to draw attention due to Leviev’s high-profile status and the widespread impact of his actions on his victims.

Conclusion

Simon Leviev’s arrest marks a significant development in a case that has captivated audiences and raised awareness about romance fraud. As investigations continue, the implications of his actions and the legal consequences he may face remain to be seen. The stories of his victims serve as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with online dating and the need for vigilance in protecting oneself from potential scams.

Key Facts

– **Name**: Simon Leviev (real name Shimon Yehuda Hayut)
– **Arrest**: Detained in Georgia at Batumi airport at Interpol’s request.
– **Crimes**: Convicted of fraud, involved in a romance scam estimated at $10 million (£7.4 million).
– **Victims**: Notable victims include Cecilie Fjellhøy and Iren Tranov, who reported significant financial losses.
– **Previous Conviction**: Sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2019, released after 5 months.
– **Documentary**: *The Tinder Swindler* became Netflix’s most-watched documentary in 90 countries upon release in February 2022.

Source: www.bbc.com