Story perspectives

Tinder Swindler Simon Leviev Arrested Amid Fraud Allegations

9/18/2025

Summary

Leviev Arrested for Fraud

Simon Leviev, known as the "Tinder Swindler," was arrested at Batumi airport in Georgia on September 14, 2025, following an Interpol request.
He is accused of defrauding a Berlin woman of nearly €44,000 ($52,000) from 2017 to 2019, contributing to total scams estimated at $10 million.
Victims, including Cecilie Fjellhøy and Pernilla Sjoholm, celebrated his arrest, highlighting the emotional impact of his actions.
Leviev denies all fraud and abuse allegations, while his lawyer questions the arrest's details.
The case has sparked renewed calls for improved protections against online romance scams.

Summary

Hayut Arrested for Fraud

Shimon Yehuda Hayut, the "Tinder Swindler," was arrested in Georgia on September 14, 2025, under an Interpol warrant from Germany.
He faces accusations of defrauding a Berlin woman of about $52,000 for hotel and flight expenses.
Previously, he served time in Israel for fraud but was released early due to COVID-19.
A Georgian court has ordered his detention for three months or until extradition to Germany.
His lawyer states Hayut is appealing the detention and denies all allegations.

History

Historical Context

Simon Leviev, born Shimon Hayut in 1990, gained notoriety for defrauding victims through romance scams between 2017 and 2019, amassing $10 million. His tactics included posing as the son of a diamond mogul and manipulating women into lending him money. His arrest in Georgia on September 14, 2025, highlights the urgent need for enhanced online safety measures amid rising fraud cases.

1 of 3

Leviev Arrested for Fraud

Simon Leviev, known as the "Tinder Swindler," was arrested at Batumi airport in Georgia on September 14, 2025, following an Interpol request.
He is accused of defrauding a Berlin woman of nearly €44,000 ($52,000) from 2017 to 2019, contributing to total scams estimated at $10 million.
Victims, including Cecilie Fjellhøy and Pernilla Sjoholm, celebrated his arrest, highlighting the emotional impact of his actions.
Leviev denies all fraud and abuse allegations, while his lawyer questions the arrest's details.
The case has sparked renewed calls for improved protections against online romance scams.

1 / 3