NetflixSimon Leviev, known globally as the “Tinder Swindler,” has been detained in Georgia, according to reports in Georgian and Israeli media.
Leviev, born Shimon Yehuda Hayut, was the subject of Netflix’s 2022 documentary The Tinder Swindler. The film detailed how he allegedly posed as heir to the Leviev diamond fortune and used Tinder to target women, convincing them he lived a luxury lifestyle with private jets, hotels, and cars before persuading them to hand over money.
Authorities and alleged victims claim he defrauded women out of as much as £7.6 million. Leviev has denied the allegations, telling Metro that his accusers were “liars” and “paid actresses.” He has also previously said he plans to tell his side of the story in a book and film.
“Tinder Swindler” arrested
Leviev, 35, was stopped after arriving at Batumi airport. Georgian authorities confirmed he was held on a Red Notice issued by Interpol, though the state requesting his arrest and the grounds for it have not yet been disclosed.
Leviev was arrested in Greece in 2019 before being extradited to Israel, where he was convicted of fraud, forgery, and theft. He served five months of a 15-month prison sentence before being released.
His lawyer told Hebrew publication Walla that even he does not yet know the reason for the arrest in Georgia, saying Leviev had been traveling freely around the world before his detention.
We’ll keep this article updated as soon as more information surfaces.
