Shimon Hayut, widely known as Simon Leviev or “The Tinder Swindler,” was released this week from a Georgian prison after German authorities closed multiple fraud cases that had triggered an international arrest order.
Hayut, the Israeli national whose alleged romantic cons and lavish persona were chronicled in a 2022 Netflix documentary called "The Tinder Swindler," had been held for two months at Kutaisi Prison No. 2 under an Interpol Red Notice. German prosecutors had sought his extradition in connection with several fraud cases, including accusations that he defrauded a Berlin woman of $38,000. If extradited and convicted, he faced up to ten years in prison.
According to his legal team, however, German authorities dropped the cases and rescinded all outstanding arrest warrants following months of negotiations. Two Berlin cases were dismissed over statute-of-limitations concerns and evidentiary issues, while the main extradition case in Munich ended with a one-year suspended sentence as part of a plea agreement.
Hayut was represented by Israeli extradition specialist Attorney Sharon Nahari, together with Georgian lawyer Mariam Kovlashvili. Nahari said he coordinated legal operations in both countries in what he described as an extensive, complex effort to prevent Hayut’s extradition.
“This was far from simple,” Nahari said. “The offenses date back to 2017. Since then, Shimon has made significant business progress. He does not live that old life, and he is not interested in returning to it. He wants to build a family and pursue legitimate, productive business ventures.”
Shimon Hayut denies allegations against him highlighted in the Netflix film
Hayut, who appeared confident upon release, has long denied the allegations highlighted in the Netflix film, which portrayed him as a globe-trotting con artist who used dating apps to manipulate and defraud women. His legal team now describes his release as a major vindication.
With the cases closed and his sentence suspended, Hayut is expected to return to Israel, where his representatives say he is preparing to launch new business initiatives.