Simon Leviev, the Israeli fraudster infamous for Netflix’s The Tinder Swindler, was recently arrested in Georgia after years of evading accountability.
TINDER SWINDLER ARRESTED AT BATUMI AIRPORT
According to The Guardian, Leviev, born Shimon Yehuda Hayut, is finally behind bars. Leviev was arrested on Sunday when he landed at Batumi International Airport in Georgia.
Following his arrest, officials did not want to specify exact charges. The arrest happened under an Interpol “red notice”, which is a request from international law enforcement to locate and provisionally detain someone pending extradition.
Between 2017 and 2019, he allegedly posed as a diamond heir, scamming women on Tinder across several European countries.
Authorities revealed his victims collectively lost over $10 million, as he convinced them to provide loans that were never repaid.
HOW HE CREATED HIS ILLUSION
Leviev sustained his deception by hiring bodyguards, flying private, and arranging first dates within luxury hotels and on expensive aircraft.
Victims interviewed for the Netflix documentary detailed his manipulation, describing romance fraud disguised as glamorous relationships and extravagant promises.
The scheme was later dubbed one of the most notorious examples of “catfishing,” with widespread media attention amplifying global outrage.
CONTINUED DENIALS AND PUBLIC REACTION
In 2022, Leviev claimed: “I never defrauded anyone. I just used Tinder to meet women,” denying accusations repeatedly.
Despite denial, he also announced his memoir, The Story Behind the Man, insisting his book would share his authentic perspective.
Social media users remain divided, with some demanding justice for victims and others questioning whether voluntary loans constitute criminal behaviour.