On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Georgian authorities arrested Simon Leviev, known as the ‘Tinder Swindler,’ at Batumi International Airport. The Israeli conman, featured in a 2022 Netflix documentary, was detained under an Interpol Red Notice. The reason for his arrest remains unclear, as his lawyer told Walla.
Simon Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Yehuda Hayut, posed as the son of a diamond tycoon on Tinder. He lured women with a fake lavish lifestyle, showing off private jets and luxury hotels. Leviev then tricked them into giving him millions, claiming he needed money for emergencies. The Netflix documentary Tinder Swindler revealed he swindled about $10 million from over a dozen women worldwide.
Leviev’s Criminal History
Leviev fled Israel in 2011 to avoid sentencing for fraud, theft, and forgery. He served two years in a Finnish prison from 2015 to 2017 for similar scams. In 2019, Interpol caught him in Greece using a fake passport. He was sentenced to 15 months in Israel but released early in May 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns after serving five months. Dating apps banned him after the documentary aired.
"Tinder Swindler" arrested in Georgia
Famous conman Simon Leviev (real name Shimon Yehuda Hayut), who was on Interpol’s international wanted list, was detained at Batumi International Airport, The Jerusalem Post reports.
In 2022, Netflix made a documentary series about Simon… pic.twitter.com/lP9YsCkirn
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) September 15, 2025Georgian officials detained Leviev as he entered the country, acting on an Interpol alert. His attorney said he had been travelling freely and was unaware of the reason for the arrest. The Georgian Interior Ministry has not shared more details, leaving the case’s next steps uncertain.
Leviev’s arrest revives interest in his infamous scams, which shocked the world. His story raises questions about online safety and trust in dating apps. The case also highlights Interpol’s role in catching fugitives across borders. As a high-profile figure, Leviev’s detention draws global attention to justice and accountability.
The arrest of Simon Leviev in Georgia marks a new chapter in the ‘Tinder Swindler’ saga. As authorities clarify the reasons, the world watches this conman’s next move.
