Tbilisi, Georgia — Simon Leviev, the man globally infamous as the “Tinder Swindler,” has been arrested in Georgia, weeks after boasting in Dubai that he would “never see prison again.”
Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Hayut, gained notoriety through the Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler, which detailed how he allegedly conned women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by posing as the wealthy heir of a diamond magnate. Using dating apps like Tinder, he cultivated relationships, gained victims’ trust, and then persuaded them to provide him with large sums of money under false pretenses.
Authorities in Georgia confirmed his detention on Friday. While details surrounding the charges remain under wraps, reports suggest his arrest followed international cooperation between law enforcement agencies monitoring his movements after his high-profile reappearance in Dubai.
The 34-year-old Israeli national had previously served a short prison sentence in Finland for fraud and was later convicted in Israel, where he received a reduced term for other offenses. Despite his criminal history, Leviev maintained a flamboyant lifestyle, frequently showcasing luxury travel, designer clothing, and high-end vehicles on social media.
His recent statements in Dubai, where he confidently told reporters that he would “never see prison again,” now stand in stark contrast to his current reality. If extradited, he may face additional legal proceedings connected to outstanding fraud cases in Europe.
The arrest has reignited debate on the vulnerabilities of online dating platforms and the ease with which individuals can perpetrate financial scams. Victims worldwide have welcomed the news, many expressing hope that this time Leviev will face more severe consequences.
