An influencer on TikTok has been getting some attention due to his physical resemblance to Simon Leviev, also known as The Tinder Swindler, the subject of a documentary of the same name. The documentary was released on Netflix on February 2 and clocked in 45.8 million watch hours globally in its first week, reaching the top 10 in 92 countries across the world. The film received positive reviews from critics and is currently sitting at a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Tinder Swindler tell the stories of Leviev’s victims, Cecille Fjellhoy, Ayleen Charlotte, and Pernilla Sjoholm, who were all scammed out of thousands of pounds by Leviev, who claimed to be the son of a diamond mogul, using the money he scammed to fund an extravagant lifestyle and manipulate more women by meeting them on the dating app, Tinder. The Tinder Swindler covers the timeline of some of his scams and how he’s still wanted by authorities in several countries for fraud charges. Since the release of the film, Tinder has banned Leviev from their platform with other dating apps, such as Match.com and OkCupid, following suit.
Now, a social media influencer, Johan (@Jolidjo), has posted a TikTok comparing pictures of himself with Leviev, with the resemblance being uncanny. He wears similar rounded glasses and styles his hair back with a light shadow on his face, just like Leviev. Jolidjo then shows some of the messages he’s been receiving, with many confusing him for the conman. Check out the video, which was also shared on the influencer’s Twitter account (Johan Ftc), below:
Leviev has since tried to capitalize on the success of The Tinder Swindler, while his victims have had to set up a GoFundMe page to pay the immense debts he left them with. Leviev has also been accused of pretending to be a medical worker to get early access to the COVID-19 vaccination. A similar documentary about conman Robert Hendy-Freegard was released on Netflix on January 18.
The Tinder Swindler once again brings to light the ridiculous lengths some people will go to ruin the lives of others in order to benefit their own. Leviev’s sociopathic behavior was elevated by social media and the world’s fascination with extravagant wealth, but Leviev is the only one truly responsible for the damage he has done and deserves to be in prison for the lives he’s ruined. Of course, Leviev has denied the allegations made in The Tinder Swindler, but when so many women are telling the exact same story, it’s pretty easy to see what’s real and what’s a scam. Though it’s fun to compare a TikTok influencer for having a similar appearance, the real-life consequences of Leviev’s actions remain far more grave.
