Who Is Simon Leviev? Is the Tinder Swindler Innocent?

Would you believe me if I told you that one of the Instagram influencers you follow is the next Frank Abagnale from Catch Me If You Can? Or that handsome match on Tinder is going to scam you of millions before you even know it?

Well, that is the true story of a few women across the world who had no idea that their life would turn upside down by swiping right for the Tinder Swindler. What would you do if you were in their shoes? Wouldn’t you go on a date with a suited man who seems to be leaving your city the next day? Wouldn’t you toss a coin and take the chance?

Is The Tinder Swindler A True Story?

The newly released Netflix film, The Tinder Swindler has raised eyebrows all over the world since its release on 2^nd February, 2022. The film, from the producers of The Imposter and Don’t F**k withCats, has left people awestruck once again.

The film is about the real life story of a few women who were cheated by their millionaire boyfriend/ friend who they met on Tinder. Claiming to be the son of a Russian billionaire, Lev Leviev, the con man fooled the world into believing that he lived a lavish lifestyle.

His life was everything like that of a Prince. Expensive hotels, gifts, clothes, private jets, bodyguards were all a part of his daily life. So if you had a match with this Prince wouldn’t you want to know more? This film will surely make you think thrice before swiping right. The proof's in front of your eyes!

Who is Simon Leviev? From Shimon to Simon

Simon Leviev was born in 1988 in Israel. His birth name was Shimon Yehuda Hayut which he used until he fled his country when he was 18. He was charged by the Israeli police in 2011 for cashing stolen cheques and defrauding money due to which he fled before he could be convicted.

He lived his life like a normal multi-millionaire. His Instagram and Tinder had pictures of him in different countries, attending lavish parties, travelling in business class or private jets and owning expensive cars. There was no reason to believe that this man could be a fraudster.

He would show his transparency with his girlfriends by sending them pictures, videos, audios of wherever he would be traveling since he was mostly away for ‘business meetings’. Within a month or few months of dating, he would confess his love and earn the trust of his women. He managed to swindle at least 10 million dollars from his victims around the globe.

“To Every Reaction There Will Be a Reaction”

It takes one person to change anything and this was proved by Leviev’s then girlfriend, Ayleen Charlotte who tricked him into believing she was on his side even after knowing his true identity. She played the same card that the Prince played by giving him the most subtle taste of revenge.

With the help of Ayleen Charlotte, Simon Leviev was arrested in July 2019 in Athens. He was charged for 15 months due to the crimes he committed in Israel but was out on bail in 5 months since he was only arrested for false identity. This angered all his victims since he was not acquitted of his actual crime due to lack of evidence. What is the next best thing that they can do? A Netflix Film!

Simon Leviev Now

After being released from prison, the con man moved back to Israel and began a website of his own that offers business advice for a fee. His social media was the same as it was before he went to prison. There was no change on his Instagram or Tinder account while his victims continue to pay their debts.

He has been living his lavish lifestyle like he would before. He is active on Instagram, under the account simon_leviev_official, which was an open account till the 3^rd of February and made private for a day or two.

However, after a few hours on the 4^th of February, Simon made his account public again posting a message, “Thank you for all your support. I will share my side of the story in the next few days when I have sorted out the best and most respectful way to tell it, both to the involved parties and myself. Until then please keep an open mind and heart”.

Simon continues to flaunt his new iPhone, car, expensive bottles of champagne and clothes on his Instagram stories showcasing no financial problems. In fact he also has a girlfriend, an Israeli model, who has appeared in his Instagram stories on several occasions.

When the film makers asked ‘Simon Leviev’ to be a part of their film, he sends an audio stating that he would file a lawsuit for defamation. He sounds confident that he is going to get away with this also but alas. The Netflix film is rightly spreading like wildfire. Let us wait to hear ‘Simon Leviev’s’ side of the story.

Modern Media: A Bane

The story of the Tinder Swindler was brought to light only through social media in the first place. When two of the victims decided to raise a voice, they helped several more victims which later helped in getting the con man arrested.

It is chilling to see that a convict can have all the luxury in the world while his victims have to pay the price several years after they have been duped of their money. Simon’s last Instagram post in October 2021 shows him posing in front of a Lamborghini. This is an on-going event and each day there is a new update.

Modern media may have its pro’s and con’s. The story of the Tinder Swindler is one of the best methods to bring attention to a grave matter such as this. Kudos to the victims for speaking up even after the threats and the producers for uncovering the truth. Till then, let us wait for the con man’s justification.

Written by Jerusha Patel