Simon Levive, infamously known as the “Tinder Swindler,” has made headlines again following his recent arrest at Batumi International Airport in Georgia. The 34-year-old Israeli con artist, whose real name is Shimon Hayut, became notorious after the release of a Netflix documentary in 2022 that detailed his elaborate schemes to defraud women he met through the dating app Tinder.
Levive’s criminal activities reportedly netted him around $10 million, with victims believing he was a wealthy playboy connected to a diamond dynasty. In reality, he had no ties to the Israeli diamond tycoon Lev Levive, a fact he obscured by legally changing his name. His modus operandi involved lavish dates and expensive gifts, followed by claims of being unable to access his funds due to threats against him. Victims were manipulated into taking out loans and giving him money, creating a Ponzi-like cycle where he would use funds from one victim to pay another.
The documentary “Tinder Swindler” became Netflix’s most-watched documentary across 90 countries upon its release, shining a light on Levive’s fraudulent practices. Despite his notoriety, reports indicated that he remained active on Tinder until Netflix confirmed he was no longer using the app under any of his known aliases.
Following the documentary’s success, Levive claimed he was merely a legitimate businessman involved in cryptocurrency investments and asserted that he was misrepresented. However, his recent arrest suggests that he is likely facing serious legal challenges. International law attorney David Tafuri discussed the implications of Levive’s detention, noting that he was apprehended under an Interpol red notice, which typically indicates severe criminal allegations.
While the specific charges against Levive remain undisclosed, it is believed that he had been wanted by German authorities for fraud and money laundering. Reports indicate that an international arrest warrant had been issued by Germany back in 2022, adding complexity to Levive’s legal troubles.
Levive’s past is marred by previous convictions for fraud, dating back to 2015, when he was sentenced to 15 months in prison in Israel for defrauding women. He served a mere five months, with varying accounts of his early release attributed to good behavior or the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Levive faces renewed scrutiny, he continues to maintain a presence on social media, where he has a significant following. Recently, he announced a forthcoming book titled “The Story Behind the Man,” in which he claims to set the record straight about his life and experiences. Critics, including victims of his fraud, argue that he continues to manipulate narratives to his advantage.
One of his victims, Cecilia Felhoy, who was prominently featured in the original documentary, has since launched a new series, “Love Con Revenge,” where she aims to help others avoid falling victim to similar scams. She has emphasized the need for society to take romance fraud more seriously, advocating for stronger legal repercussions for perpetrators.
As Levive’s situation develops, legal experts and observers are keenly awaiting further details about the charges he may face and how this latest arrest will impact his ability to evade justice. The saga of Simon Levive serves as a cautionary tale about deception, manipulation, and the complexities of international law enforcement in dealing with high-profile fraud cases.
