“Tinder swindler” Simon Leviev Detained in Georgia at Interpol’s Request
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simon Leviev, the 34-year-old whose real name is Shimon Yehuda Hayut, has been arrested at Batumi Airport in Georgia, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior spokesman Tato Kuchava to AFP. Details surrounding the arrest remain limited.
The Elaborate Tinder Scam
Leviev rose to international infamy following investigative reports detailing a sophisticated pattern of romantic fraud and financial crimes.Between 2017 and 2019,he allegedly utilized the Tinder dating application to present himself as a wealthy heir and defraud multiple women out of substantial sums of money,which were never repaid.
His scheme is now widely recognized as a prominent example of “catfishing”-the practice of creating a fabricated online persona to lure victims into emotional and financial relationships. Leviev’s deception was particularly elaborate, involving the projection of a lavish lifestyle complete with bodyguards and private jet travel, making his false claims exceptionally convincing.
Documented Impact and Financial Toll
The story gained widespread attention with the release of a Netflix documentary in 2022, which featured accounts from several of his alleged victims. Reports indicate hayut defrauded victims in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, totaling an estimated $10 million (8.5 million euros).
The case highlights the growing risks associated with online dating and the importance of verifying the identities and claims of individuals encountered through such platforms.
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP)
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