Billionaire Leviev’s Family Withdraws Private Criminal Complaint Against 'Tinder Swindler' Simon Leviev

The family of billionaire businessman Lev Leviev has agreed to withdraw the private criminal complaint they filed against Simon Leviev, known as the "Tinder Swindler." The agreement, which does not include an acquittal for Simon Leviev, was submitted for approval to the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Thursday morning.

Four of Leviev’s nine children and the diamond company LLD initially filed the complaint in February 2022 following a Netflix documentary about Simon Leviev’s fraudulent activities. They claimed Simon Leviev falsely presented himself as Leviev’s son, damaging their reputation and privacy. The complaint was a private prosecution, meaning it was initiated by private individuals rather than the state.

Simon Leviev, born Yehuda Yehuda Hayut, was accused of impersonating a member of the famous Leviev family for an extended period. However, after the court noted it lacked jurisdiction over events that occurred abroad, both parties jointly requested to withdraw the complaint. The complaint also included Simon Leviev’s father, Rabbi Yohanan Aharon Hayut.

Attorney Guy Ofir, representing the Leviev family, stated that the agreement cancels the complaint without acquitting Simon Leviev. It includes a court order preventing Simon Leviev from being portrayed as connected to the Leviev family or LLD companies. The defendants also waived any claims for legal fees or expenses. Ofir explained that most allegations involved acts committed outside Israel, and the court rejected their request to present additional evidence proving offenses occurred within Israel.

The Leviev family emphasized that since this is not an acquittal, the Attorney General retains the right to file charges for alleged foreign offenses. Ofir expressed disappointment that Israeli authorities have not acted against Yehuda Hayut, who effectively represents "the face of Israel worldwide."