Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler tells of Israeli conman Simon Leviev, who used the dating app to contact women who he then persuaded to “lend” him money to fuel his lavish lifestyle. But his crimes had devastating consequences. Norwegian Cecilie Fjellhøy, 34, who lives in London, lost more than £200,000 to Leviev, while Pernilla Sjöholm, 35, of Stockholm, Sweden, lost over £60,000. And because of interest rates, their debt is rising.
In 2019, Leviev served five months of a 15-month jail sentence for unrelated fraud charges and he is now free. In an exclusive chat, the two women reflect on life since the documentary – which clocked 45.8 million hours viewed in its first week – and their fight to see the fraudster back behind bars.
‘He sent me death threats – I’m scared I’ll never find peace’
I’ve been reflecting a lot on how I feel about relationships. I’m dating, but I haven’t had a long-term or deep relationship since it happened. Everything Simon did has harmed the way I’m dating and perhaps I’m scared of opening up. I have baggage now. I have healed but I still think there’s a long way to go.
There’s shame attached to stories like mine and I don’t want anyone who’s been a victim to feel ashamed.
Since our story broke, I’ve been contacted by people who almost got defrauded by Simon. I’ve had messages saying, “I met him in Amsterdam… but we only went on a couple of dates and that was it – he never asked me for money.“ I think, “Oh, great for you!”
The truth is, he met so many people and picked the ones he knew would help him out when he was pretending to be in need.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 28, 2022 من New UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 28, 2022 من New UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
'IT'S THERAPY ON ANOTHER LEVEL'
Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe opens up on how the emotional storyline of her character Mercedes going through bowel cancer is helping her deal with losing her father to the same cruel disease
Teacher used school funds to pay hitman to kill his pregnant lover
When Jocelyn Peters bought potatoes, she didn't know one would be used to help murder her
'We held a joint funeral for my husband and my baby son'
Rhian Mannings, 47, tragically lost her son George at just one year old, and five days later her husband Paul was dead too
'I'd like to get married and so would Roger'
My Mum, Your Dad lovebirds, Roger and Janey, tell new about their 'lucky' connection and plans for the future
'You forget you're on TV, so it's very raw'
Celebs Go Dating's Chris Taylor and Tristan Phipps reveal why the experts' advice made them so emotional
Meghan 'hopes for new start with Kate'
Following the Princess of Wales' poignant cancer update, the Duchess of Sussex is reportedly ready for a reconciliation
Will Cat stay at This Morning?
Cat Deeley has faced criticism since joining the ITV daytime show, and a source tells new she wouldn't hesitate about quitting
'This is the best present could give my mum'
TOWIE favourite Gemma Collins solves a family mystery – and also discovers a surprising link to Jack The Ripper
Alison 'couldn't be happier'
Presenter Alison Hammond is loved-up and looking fabulous, and is more content than she's ever been, a source tells new
Molly set to 'make millions'
She's \"still hurting\" following her split from Tommy Fury, but Molly-Mae Hague is said to be looking to the future with an exciting new venture