Simon Leviev, the conman featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary 'The Tinder Swindler', has been released from prison in Georgia after two months. The 35-year-old Israeli national was arrested at Batumi Airport on September 19 at Interpol's request and held in Kutaisi.
Leviev was freed 'without any conditions' after Germany withdrew its extradition request. His lawyer, Mariam Kublashvili, said the case against him was fully closed, with no bail or travel restrictions imposed. German prosecutors had opened a case following a complaint from a Berlin woman who alleged Leviev defrauded her of up to £44,000 after meeting on Tinder.
Kublashvili attributed Germany's decision to a 'lack of evidence'. Leviev is accused of scamming an estimated £7.6 million from multiple women by posing as the son of a diamond mogul on the dating app. His scheme involved lavish dates with bodyguards and private jets before asking victims to open credit cards in their names.
Victim Pernilla Sjöholm, who lost friends and suffered shame, praised Berlin police for their work. Leviev has denied the allegations, calling his accusers 'liars' and 'paid actresses', and claims his upcoming book and film will reveal the truth.
