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Leviev family sues ‘Tinder Swindler’ for impersonation

Simon Leviev whose real name is Shimon Hayut, has been accused and sued for “making false representations as being the son of Lev Leviev.

• March 2, 2022
SIMON LEVIEV
SIMON LEVIEV [Photo credit: BBC]

The real Leviev family, the family of Israeli billionaire business tycoon and Diamond Magnate Lev Leviev is suing Netflix documentary’s Tinder Swindler Simon Leviev, for using their name to scam several women.

Simon Leviev whose real name is Shimon Hayut, has been accused and sued for “making false representations as being the son of Lev Leviev and receiving numerous benefits claiming to be a member of the Leviev Family”, and will pay the cost of all benefits reaped from the documentary.

Attorney Guy Ophir who confirmed the lawsuit that was filed in Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court in Israel, said in a statement released on February 28, 2022, that this legal action taken was “only the beginning of a number of lawsuits.”

“In the next phase, we will file a monetary suit against Simon and any other affiliate that will work with him, including some websites that have joint ventures with Simon and/or have offered to buy cameos from him. Anyone that also tries to capitalize from this scheme will be sued.”

The attorney said in the statement.

Chagit Leviev, the daughter of Lev Leviev, also expressed hope that his crimes would be brought to book.

“Simon Hayut is a fraud who stole our family’s identity and used it to exploit our good name to con victims out of millions of dollars… He has no relation to the Leviev family and has no affiliation with our company LLD Diamonds,” she said in a statement, explaining that the lawsuit was the first step by the family to ensure that Simon faced justice and received the sentence he deserves.

The documentary ‘Tinder Swindler’, exposes the conman Simon Hayut, who identifies himself as the only son of the “King of Diamonds” on Tinder, to scam women of large sums of money. The three victims Cecilie Schrøder Fjellhøy, Pernilla Sjoholm and Ayleen Charlotte were defrauded of $250,000, $33,000 and $139,000 respectively.

Simon who has set his sights on Hollywood and signed a deal with the talent management company Gitoni, adult movie star-turned publicist Gina Rodriquez, to manage his venture into entertainment, which includes a podcast, book and a dating show, has started charging clubs for appearances.

Although he has since been banned from dating apps like Tinder and Hinge after the release of “The Tinder Swindler” in February 2, 2021, he has been on and off Instagram with multiple accounts, displaying a luxurious lifestyle in Israel while dating Ukrainian model Kate Konlin.

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