Netflix’s ‘Tinder Swindler’ Busted by Authorities in a Shocking Twist
Simon Leviev, the man made infamous by Netflix’s 2022 documentary The Tinder Swindler, has been arrested in Georgia, authorities confirmed.
Leviev, an Israeli citizen known for conning women out of millions by pretending to be a wealthy diamond heir, was taken into custody at Batumi airport after Interpol issued a request for his arrest, the BBC reported on September 15.
Leviev’s lawyer told Israel’s Ynet that the reason for the arrest was still unclear. “I spoke with him this morning after he was detained, but we don’t yet understand the reason,” the lawyer said. Reports indicate that Leviev had been traveling freely across the globe before his arrest.
The Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler brought Leviev to international attention by chronicling his long history of deception.
The film detailed how he used the dating app Tinder to meet women, charm them with a lavish lifestyle, and then manipulate them into lending him large sums of money under the pretense of danger.
According to the documentary, Leviev’s victims collectively lost an estimated $10 million. The film also explored his manipulative tactics, portraying a man who combined charisma with elaborate lies to exploit the trust of women from different countries.
Leviev has faced numerous legal issues over the years. He fled Israel in 2011 while facing charges for fraud, theft, and forgery.
Between 2015 and 2017, he served time in a Finnish prison for fraud before being returned to Israel. Leviev later fled again and was arrested by Interpol in Greece in 2019, eventually being convicted on four fraud charges. He received a 15-month sentence but was released after serving just five months due to COVID-19 related prison crowding concerns.
In addition to financial crimes, Leviev has also been accused of emotional and physical abuse.
Former girlfriend Kate Konlin told the BBC in 2023 that Leviev had pushed her during an argument, causing her to injure her foot on a step. Konlin filed a police complaint after receiving hospital treatment. Leviev has denied these allegations and was banned from dating apps following the release of The Tinder Swindler.
The Netflix documentary played a major role in exposing Leviev’s scams to a global audience. It highlighted not only the financial devastation he caused but also the emotional trauma endured by his victims. The film sparked widespread discussions about online dating safety and the psychology of con artists.
Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Yehuda Hayut, remains in custody as authorities determine the next steps.
This story underscores how real-life criminals can use charm and deception to exploit trust. The Netflix documentary shed light on these crimes in a way that reached millions worldwide, making Leviev a notorious figure far beyond his immediate victims.
What do you think about Simon Leviev and the events highlighted in The Tinder Swindler? Share your thoughts in the comments.