Swedish businesswoman Pernilla Sjoholm has spoken out after learning that Shimon Hayut, the man dubbed the “Tinder Swindler,” was released from a Georgian prison last week.
For Sjoholm, who was one of Hayut’s victims, the news came as both a shock and a disappointment.
Hayut Walks Free After German Arrest Warrant Cancelled
Hayut, 35, gained notoriety for defrauding women across Europe by posing as a wealthy heir from a diamond merchant family on dating apps.
He had been arrested in Georgia in September over a £38,000 fraud case tied to a Berlin-based woman and faced up to ten years in prison.
However, in a surprising twist, German authorities cancelled their arrest warrant, and Hayut walked free after only two months in the infamous Kutaisi Penitentiary.
Plea Deal Leads to Suspended Sentence
According to Hayut’s Georgian lawyer, Mariam Kublashvila, the release followed a “fair and appropriate” plea agreement. I
nstead of serving a full sentence, he received a one-year suspended sentence.
While this legally counts as a conviction, it meant Hayut avoided long-term jail time for the German case.
Victim Reflects on Justice and Shock
Sjoholm, 38, who claims Hayut swindled her out of £39,000, said she was unaware of the release until it happened.
“I wasn’t told because my case was not part of the German proceedings, so this is a bit of a shock,” she said.
“I’m disappointed he’s not spending more years in prison, but he has admitted to his crimes, and that counts for something.
It’s not like he was let off because the evidence was weak—it was a plea deal.”
Hayut Remains Defiant
Despite the setback for victims, Hayut remained unrepentant.
Hours before his release, he boasted in an exclusive interview that he felt “unstoppable” and would “change nothing” about his actions.
Legal Battles Continue Across Borders
Sjoholm, now living in Stockholm with her partner and twins, emphasized that the legal story isn’t over.
Hayut still faces lawsuits and ongoing cases in Israel, including one from the wealthy Leviev family.
She also highlighted open cases in the UK and noted that he has committed fraud not only against women but also companies and men.
Victims Hope Justice Will Catch Up
“This has been his pattern since he was a teenager,” Sjoholm said.
“This is his nature. Only the law can stop him.
I hope more countries step up and pursue the cases against him, and I hope legal action continues.”
For her, and many others, the fight for accountability isn’t finished, even as Hayut temporarily walks free.