The infamous conman who captivated and horrified global audiences in the Netflix documentary 'The Tinder Swindler' is behind bars once more. Simon Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Hayut, was arrested at Georgia's Tbilisi International Airport on an international warrant.
His capture marks the latest chapter in a sprawling international saga of romance fraud, luxury scams, and audacious deception. The Israeli national was detained by local authorities upon his arrival and is now facing the prospect of extradition.
A Global Manhunt Ends
Leviev's arrest was confirmed by a police spokesperson in Georgia, a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. He was wanted on charges originating from multiple countries related to theft, fraud, and forgery of official documents.
His modus operandi, as detailed in the Netflix film, involved posing as the wealthy son of a diamond tycoon to woo women on the dating app Tinder. After gaining their trust, he would manipulate them into lending him large sums of money, allegedly to escape fictitious 'enemies', draining their savings and maxing out their credit lines.
The Aftermath of Netflix Notoriety
The release of the documentary in early 2022 propelled Leviev from a known fraudster to a household name, transforming his crimes into a global cautionary tale. Despite his newfound infamy, he attempted to capitalise on his notoriety, even offering paid appearances and launching a dubious website for his 'business ventures'.
This arrest proves that his time in the limelight has done little to shield him from international justice. Authorities in Israel, where he is also wanted for similar offences, have already begun extradition proceedings to bring him to trial. His story serves as a stark reminder that online personas can be dangerously deceptive and that international law enforcement continues to pursue justice across borders.
