Crime House Daily – Night Watch

Episode: The ‘Tinder Swindler’ Strikes Again: Love, Luxury and $50K STOLEN
Host: Katie Ring
Release Date: October 17, 2025

Overview

On this episode of Crime House Daily’s Night Watch, host Katie Ring returns to one of the most infamous romance scam cases of the 21st century: the saga of Simon Leviev, known globally as the “Tinder Swindler.” Nearly three years after a Netflix documentary turned him into a viral villain, Simon finds himself back in handcuffs—this time in Georgia, accused of defrauding another woman out of more than $50,000. The episode chronicles Simon’s criminal evolution, the women who brought him down, his courtroom escapes, and his latest brush with the law.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Who Is the “Tinder Swindler”? (00:44—03:50)

• Simon Leviev, born Shimon Hayut, was thrust into the limelight after a Netflix documentary exposed his globe-trotting romance scams.
• He dazzled victims with private jets, five-star hotels, and claims of a diamond-fueled fortune—all fraudulent.
• Legally changed his name from Hayut to Leviev, falsely aligning himself with Israeli diamond tycoon Lev Leviev.
  • “He promised love, delivered lies, and left women drowning in debt.” – Katie Ring (01:31)

Early Crimes and Modus Operandi (04:22—09:00)

• As a young adult in Israel, Simon was caught forging checks and committing fraud, then fled the country.
• Later surfaced in Finland running Ponzi-style romance scams, using fake passports and luxury lifestyles to lure victims.
  • “When Simon was 20 or 21...he never faces jail time, though, because he flees Israel.” – Katie (04:22)
• He would convince women he met on dating apps to loan him money, which he then used to fund subsequent scams.
• Created false dependency:
  • Encouraged victims to quit jobs or move into expensive apartments under his promise to pay.
  • Provided “proof” of wealth and urgency, faking financial emergencies and audits.

The Main Victims Who Fought Back (09:00—15:00)

• Cecilia Feloi & Pernilla Schuholm:

  • Cecilia was swept up after a whirlwind first date and manipulated into sending Simon more than $250,000 (09:00–11:30).
    • Victims were shown staged videos of Simon and his bodyguard supposedly attacked by “enemies.”
    • Simon feigned danger and claimed financial transactions couldn’t be in his name for “safety.”
  • Pernilla, initially a romantic interest turned friend, fell for similar ploys (13:00–14:50).
    • Both helped expose Simon by collaborating with Norwegian newspaper VG.

  Notable Quote:
  “All his victims wanted was love…But Simon only gave them a living nightmare – until two brave women…helped expose his crimes.” – Katie Ring (04:22)

The VG Investigation and Media Unmasking (15:00—18:21)

• Cecilia went public via Norway’s VG, providing messages and multimedia used for a landmark exposé (15:20).
• Pernilla aided in a sting operation while journalists tailed Simon in Munich.
• Tactic: Used luxury and drama (fake attacks, news clippings) to reinforce his persona and urgency.
• Simon’s threats began to lose power as the global spotlight intensified.

Eileen Charlotte: Scamming the Scammer (19:17—21:50)

• Simon’s girlfriend Eileen, after reading the VG article, feigned loyalty while sabotaging him:
  • Sold off Simon’s designer wardrobe and withheld payments.
  • Helped police track Simon’s location leading to his Interpol arrest.
    • “Eileen looks up flights from Prague to Greece and sees one that left around the time he went offline. She sends the flight info to the authorities, and Israeli police and Interpol are waiting…” – Katie (20:30)
• By this time, the total estimated amount Simon had swindled was $10 million.

Criminal Consequences and Infamous Release (21:50—24:30)

• 2019: Simon convicted in Israel but served only five months due to COVID-related early releases.
  • Victims expressed outrage:
    “It's a disgrace that he was released from prison. I hope he gets the coronavirus. I hope he dies.” – Finnish victim (22:35)
• Netflix’s 2022 documentary further tarnished Simon’s reputation and derailed his ability to recruit new victims.

The Leviev Family Strikes Back (24:30—25:30)

• The real Leviev family sued Simon for identity theft.
• Ruthie Leviev Levizarov testified on the confusion, fraud, and reputational damage Simon caused.
• Simon argued he wasn’t impersonating anyone:
  “People can Google the Leviev family and see that they don’t have a son named Simon.” – Katie relaying Simon’s courtroom defense.

The Most Recent Arrest and Ongoing Legal Battle (25:30—end)

• In early September 2025, Simon was arrested at Batumi International Airport, Georgia, on an Interpol red notice.
• Current accusation: Defrauding a German woman of $52,000.
• Simon faces extradition; his defense is pushing for dismissal of charges.
  • “If Simon has his way, he won’t face any punishment at all. And his lawyer is trying to get the charges dismissed. And considering his history, there’s no telling what might happen next.” – Katie Ring (25:30)
• Katie pledges continued updates as the legal process unfolds.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Simon’s Influence and Damage

• “He promised love, delivered lies, and left women drowning in debt. Now, with fresh charges for stealing thousands more, the Tinder Swindler story is far from over.” – Katie Ring (01:31)

Victims Take Initiative

• “When Pernilla gets to Munich, she meets with Simon… the entire time, Pernilla is just thinking about how much Simon has wronged her… and is wondering what poor girl is paying for their expensive meal.” – Katie (14:50)

Victim Outrage at Release

• “A Finnish woman who said Simon conned her out of almost $50,000 told the Times of Israel, ‘It's a disgrace that he was released from prison. I hope he gets the coronavirus. I hope he dies.’” – Katie Ring (22:35)

Timeline / Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:44–03:50 – Introduction: Simon’s new arrest and overall case summary.
• 04:22–09:00 – Early scams; first major frauds, initial criminal record.
• 09:00–15:00 – Cecilia and Pernilla’s stories; Simon’s romance scam methods; escalation.
• 15:00–18:21 – Exposure, VG newspaper sting, public outing.
• 19:17–21:50 – Eileen’s counter-scam and Simon’s arrest by Interpol.
• 21:50–24:30 – Post-arrest fallout; release from prison; Netflix documentary impact.
• 24:30–25:30 – Leviev family lawsuit and ongoing legal repercussions.
• 25:30–end – 2025 developments and Simon’s future.

Final Thoughts & Tone

Katie Ring’s narration remains empathetic toward victims, analytical about Simon's manipulations, and vigilant about unfolding legal developments. The episode maintains a tone that’s both urgent and investigative, promising listeners that Crime House Daily will provide updates as justice continues to unfold.

For Listeners New to the Case

This episode is a comprehensive account of the “Tinder Swindler’s” con artist saga—from his earliest schemes, most notorious victims, media exposure, and conviction, through to emerging details about his latest arrest. The storytelling is immersive, factual, and laced with the shock, frustration, and determination echoed by both victims and the justice system pursuing Simon Leviev.