Controversial figure Andrew Tate, known for his influencer status, has been officially charged in Romania with multiple serious offenses, including rape, human trafficking, and forming an organized crime group aimed at sexually exploiting women.
Alongside Andrew Tate, his brother Tristan and two associates are also facing charges in relation to these allegations. All four individuals have vehemently denied their involvement in these crimes.
The initial arrest of the Tate brothers took place at their residence in Bucharest in December of last year. Subsequently, in March, a Romanian judge ruled to transfer them from custody to house arrest.
According to the indictment filed with the Bucharest court, the accused formed an organized criminal syndicate in 2021 with the explicit purpose of engaging in human trafficking, not only within Romania but also across international borders, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The indictment further identifies seven alleged victims who were reportedly lured by the Tate brothers through deceitful promises of love and marriage. Once under their control, these individuals were allegedly coerced, subjected to constant surveillance, and placed in situations of extreme duress at locations in Ilfov county, Romania. The victims were allegedly forced into debt and compelled to participate in pornographic activities, which were subsequently disseminated on social media platforms.
The statement released by Romanian prosecutors asserts that one of the defendants is also accused of committing rape on two occasions in March 2022.
Significant assets belonging to the accused have been seized as part of the investigation, including properties, vehicles, and an estimated $300 million (£235 million) worth of cryptocurrency.
Although the trial will not commence immediately, it is anticipated to span several years due to the complexity of the case. A Romanian judge has a mandatory 60-day period to thoroughly review the case files before proceeding with the trial.
Representatives of the Tate brothers’ media team responded to the charges, stating, “While the announcement of these charges does not come as a surprise, it provides an opportunity for us to unequivocally establish their innocence and restore their reputation.”
They further noted that the indictment enables them to present a comprehensive collection of evidence meticulously gathered over time, which they believe will effectively substantiate the brothers’ claims of innocence.
Additionally, investigations into separate charges, including money laundering and trafficking of minors, are currently underway and may result in additional indictments.
It is worth mentioning that Andrew Tate, a British-American former kickboxer, gained notoriety in 2016 when he was expelled from the British reality TV show Big Brother after a video emerged appearing to show him assaulting a woman. He has since regained access to social media platforms, despite previous bans, and has garnered a following, particularly among young men, by espousing what he portrays as an ultra-luxurious, hyper-masculine lifestyle.
