The Tinder Swindler

An Israeli man, originally named Shimon Hayut, embarked on a deceptive journey across Europe, posing as the affluent heir of Russian-Israeli diamond tycoon Lev Leviev. Through the dating app Tinder, he connected with numerous women using the alias Simon Leviev, cunningly persuading them to lend him substantial sums of money, which he never intended to repay. His elaborate ruse was bolstered by a fabricated online persona, showcasing a lavish lifestyle filled with private jets, luxury cars, and exclusive parties.

One of his early targets was Cecille Fjellhoy, a hopeful romantic from Norway, who discovered Simon on Tinder. She reveals how women, despite suffering heartaches, chase after true love, inspired by the fairytale notions learned from Disney. A small-town girl yearning for more, she spent seven years on Tinder amassing 1024 matches, dreaming of a handsome, ambitious man who adores animals and is wealthy. Simon’s Tinder profile linked to his Instagram, adorned with extravagant posts and a substantial following, where he showcased his love for animals.

Their initial coffee date at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel left Cecille smitten. Simon presented himself as a charming “prince” in the diamond industry, claiming to be the CEO of LLD Diamonds. He swiftly whisked her away to Bulgaria on his private jet, where both his ex-partner and their two-year-old daughter accompanied them. Cecille learned from his ex that Simon was a devoted father, still supporting her despite their separation.

After a passionate night in Bulgaria, Simon returned Cecille to London, but not before establishing a profound emotional bond. Their relationship blossomed through text messages on WhatsApp, accompanied by lavish gifts from Simon. When he visited her in Oslo, they solidified their status as a couple. Simon then ominously warned her about the dangers of the diamond business, hinting at dangerous adversaries.

Meanwhile, Pernilla Sjoholm, a humorous and impulsive woman from Sweden, also fell victim to Simon’s charm through Tinder. After claiming to live in Amsterdam, Simon invited her to visit. Their lunch in a luxurious setting suggested wealth, with the entire staff seeming to recognize Simon. Although Pernilla felt an instant connection, she left feeling uneasy after he made an advance that didn’t sit right with her. Nevertheless, she missed Simon, and he would frequently fly in for spontaneous coffee dates.

Simon’s allure was rooted in extravagant gifts and opulent dinners on private jets, funded by the money he borrowed from previous victims. Utilizing a manipulative tactic, he often fabricated stories about being targeted by fictional enemies, sending distressing images to elicit his victims’ sympathy. This led them to assist him financially, compromising their own finances through bank loans and credit cards.

Cecille, enchanted by Simon, ultimately took out a credit card in her name that he maxed out shortly after. In a desperate financial bind, he asked Cecille to bring him $25,000 to Amsterdam. She complied, even taking additional loans. Simon created a contrived state of panic, informing her that his life was in jeopardy and he needed to escape at a moment’s notice. Little did they know, he was also entertaining Pernilla in different cities.

As time passed, Cecille found herself drowning in debt, with Simon’s constant requests leading her to borrow an astonishing $250,000. She discovered that he had been sending forged documents, claiming to repay her while maintaining his lavish lifestyle. Meanwhile, the story of their financial entrapment began to gain traction, as Cecille reached out to the Norwegian newspaper VG, revealing everything she had uncovered.

Through persistent investigative efforts, VG connected with three Finnish women who were also victims of Simon’s schemes, leading the journalistic team to reveal his true identity as Shimon Hayut. His modus operandi was repeatedly uncovered, leaving a trail of deceived women across the globe. The investigation spiraled further when they collaborated with an Israeli journalist to track down Simon, only to find his mother denying them entry to their home.

As Simon continued his ploys with Pernilla, he employed the same tactics of deception, all while asking for more funds. Yet, the journalism efforts exposed his myriad of frauds, prompting Pernilla to finally realize the truth and confront Simon with undeniable proof. The resulting article about Simon’s fraudulent schemes quickly went viral, culminating in a wave of other victims coming forward.

Simon’s reign of deceit reached its end when Ayleen, his latest partner, discovered the implications of his actions. Aleks, a savvy individual with connections in the fashion industry, sought to recover her investments by selling Simon’s extravagant wardrobe. However, as Simon’s façade began to crumble, he turned desperate and aggressive in an attempt to reclaim his belongings.

Eventually, Simon’s life of luxury was dismantled, leading to his arrest upon arrival in Greece under a new alias. While he was sentenced for his crimes in Israel, he managed to evade serious repercussions for the fraud he orchestrated against multiple women. As he now resides in Israel as a free man, Cecille, Pernilla, and Ayleen continue to struggle with the remnants of their financial entanglements, estimated to total around $10 million lost to his deceitful practices.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:33