Leviev Family and Simon Leviev Reach Settlement Ending Four-Year Legal Dispute

After more than four years of legal conflict, the Leviev family and Simon Leviev have reached a settlement that will result in the cancellation of the criminal complaint against Simon Leviev without an acquittal. Under the agreement, Simon Leviev and the other defendants commit not to present themselves as connected to the Leviev family or its affiliated companies, including various LLD corporations. The settlement remains subject to court approval.

The case centered on allegations involving Yehuda Hayut, who was accused of impersonating Simon Leviev. The Leviev family presented witnesses and evidence from abroad regarding Hayut's alleged actions. However, Judge Itay Hermelin ruled that since most of the alleged offenses occurred outside Israel, the proceedings could not continue without approval from the Attorney General. According to the Leviev family's lawyer, Ophir, the legal process could have extended another two to three years, potentially concluding no earlier than 2030.

Ophir emphasized that the settlement does not constitute an acquittal of Hayut, stating that the defendants will be legally barred from claiming any connection to the Leviev family or its companies. He also noted that the Attorney General retains the authority to file charges related to the alleged foreign offenses. Ophir expressed regret that neither Israeli nor foreign authorities have taken action against Hayut so far.

Zebulon Leviev highlighted the importance of trust in the diamond industry, condemning the impersonation as damaging to the family's reputation. Simon Leviev expressed relief over the cancellation of all charges against him, referencing similar outcomes in Germany and other countries, and stated his intention to move forward with his life and work.

This settlement concludes, at least for now, the private criminal case the Leviev family pursued against Simon Leviev. However, the family’s legal representatives stress that the cancellation of the complaint does not equate to exoneration, and the Attorney General may still consider prosecuting alleged foreign offenses by Yehuda Hayut.