The Tinder Swindler: How long was Simon Leviev in prison?

The Tinder Swindler has become the latest Netflix true-crime craze (Picture: Tore Kristiansen/AFP via Getty Images)

The Tinder Swindler is the latest Netflix documentary to grab the attention of millions of viewers across the world.

It tells the true story of Israeli fraudster Simon Leviev – who was born Shimon Hayut – and how he conned several women out of money while taking them on lavish dates posing as a wealthy diamond mogul.

Three of his victims – Cecilie Fjellhøy, Pernilla Sjoholm and Ayleen Charlotte – share their stories in the documentary, detailing his scams that conned them out of an estimated total of around £7.4 million.

While Simon Leviev was eventually arrested, how much time did he actually spend in jail for his crimes?

How long was Simon Leviev in prison?

Simon Leviev, 31, was sentenced to two years in a Finnish prison for his scams in 2015.

He had used the name Simon Leviev to pose as the son of real billionaire Russian-Israeli diamond mogul, Lev Leviev.

He was released in 2017 and returned to his home country of Israel, where he was wanted for previous fraud crimes he committed in his 20s.

While he initially evaded arrest upon his return, he was eventually caught during a joint operation between Israeli police and Interpol in 2019.

He was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $43,289 – but ended up serving only five months, after being released for good behaviour.

Where is Simon Leviev now?

Simon seems to have continued living the high life (Picture: Instagram/simon_leviev_official)

Leviev is now living as a free man in Israel, but apparently has plans to break into Hollywood following the popularity of the Netflix documentary.

Despite being exposed as a conman, Leviev reportedly has plans to write a book, host a dating podcast and has pitched a controversial new TV show in the wake of his newfound fame.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Leviev has signed on with a talent manager, Gina Rodriguez of Gitoni Inc in order to pursue his ambitions.

‘I was intrigued with the Netflix story. I saw the world’s greatest salesman,’ Rodriguez told ET. 

‘It left me with a lot of unanswered questions and was very biased. I believe there are two sides to every story and everyone should have the chance to tell their side of the story.’

Leviev now has ambitions to pursue a career in Hollywood (Picture: Instagram/simon_leviev_official)

His Instagram showed him continuing to live a lavish lifestyle, pictured alongside expensive cars and posing in private yachts and jets.

Leviev had gained 200,000 followers on his Instagram page before deleting his account.

Prior to deleting his account, he reportedly posted: ‘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.’

Following confirmation of signing with Gitonic Inc, Leviev also joined Cameo, where he is charging $300 – £220.85 – for personalised video messages and $1,400 – £1,030.62 – for business ones. 

Fjellhøy, Koeleman, and Sjohol meanwhile have since raised over £100,000 on a GoFundMe page with the support of fans to help those affected by his crimes.

Cecille told Metro.co.uk ‘We’ve been doing this for so many people and that’s why we’re still fighting like because he hasn’t paid his dues at all and it is terrible to see what he’s done to people. It’s not fair.’ 

MORE : UK’s Tinder swindler jailed for conning woman out of £140,000 to fund his life

MORE : What to watch and podcasts to listen to after Tinder Swindler

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