Masked police officers in Romania conducted raids at the residence of internet influencer Andrew Tate, who is facing charges of human trafficking, rape, and involvement in a criminal gang for sexually exploiting women. The raids were carried out at four homes in Bucharest and Ilfov counties by Romania's anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT.
The investigation includes allegations of human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements, and money laundering. Tate's spokesperson confirmed the suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering but did not address the allegations involving minors.
Andrew Tate, along with his brother Tristan, both former kickboxers and dual British-U.S. citizens, were arrested in 2022 near Bucharest along with two Romanian women. The four were formally indicted last year and have denied the charges.
After months of preliminary discussions, the Bucharest Tribunal ruled that the case file against the Tate brothers met legal criteria for a trial to proceed. The brothers were initially held in police detention before being placed under house arrest and later restricted to various locations within Romania.
Despite Andrew Tate's claims of a political conspiracy against him and lack of evidence, courts have upheld legal proceedings against him. In a separate case, a British court has issued arrest warrants for the Tate brothers over allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012-2015.
While the Bucharest Court of Appeal granted the British request for extradition, the Tate brothers will only be extradited after the conclusion of legal proceedings in Romania. Andrew Tate, known for his controversial online presence and previous bans from social media platforms, continues to maintain his innocence amidst the ongoing legal battles.
