BUCHAREST, Romania — Romanian prosecutors have formally indicted social media influencer Andrew Tate on serious criminal charges, including trafficking minors, engaging in sexual acts with a minor, and laundering illicit funds.
The 39-year-old Tate, along with his 38-year-old brother Tristan, was initially taken into custody in Bucharest in late 2022. According to DIICOT, Romania’s organized crime and terrorism unit, Tristan faces charges of complicity in connection with the case.
Investigators from the agency stated on Friday that the Tate brothers manipulated a victim by establishing a deceptive romantic relationship, subsequently compelling her to generate pornographic content for an online webcam platform.
Legal counsel representing the Tate brothers in Romania has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the latest developments.
This most recent indictment arises from the investigation that culminated in the brothers’ initial detention in 2022 and their formal indictment the following year. A Romanian court subsequently returned the original case file to DIICOT in 2024 after identifying numerous procedural flaws committed by prosecutors. The matter remained active, and the brothers have faced additional legal proceedings in Romania during 2024.
The dual U.S.-British citizens have cultivated a massive global following through their social media channels, where they frequently espouse controversial views on wealth accumulation, male superiority, and traditional gender roles, making them highly polarizing public figures.
According to allegations from DIICOT, the brothers recruited a 15-year-old girl in Luton, England—where they originate—in 2012. Prosecutors claim they generated over $1.2 million through her webcam performances after repeatedly transporting her to Romania.
The crime agency further contends that Tristan Tate was aware of the victim’s age and that she had been recruited by Andrew. Between 2014 and 2021, prosecutors allege, Tristan deliberately misled the victim regarding his brother’s genuine feelings and intentions, thereby facilitating her continued sexual exploitation. Additionally, investigators claim that between December 2020 and mid-2021, Andrew Tate engaged in repeated sexual intercourse and sexual acts with another minor, also 15 years old.
Between December 2023 and July 2024, DIICOT alleges that the Tate brothers attempted to conceal the criminal origins of their human trafficking proceeds by acquiring four luxury vehicles valued at approximately 825,000 euros ($957,000). Authorities have moved to seize these assets.
Both brothers have consistently denied all allegations. Andrew Tate has additionally alleged that a political conspiracy exists designed to suppress their public platform.
The brothers were first detained in Bucharest in late 2022 amid allegations of their involvement in an organized criminal network that lured women to Romania for sexual exploitation. Andrew Tate additionally faced a separate rape charge.
The new indictment from DIICOT further alleges that the brothers’ victims were offered compensation or subjected to intimidation in efforts to discourage them from cooperating with authorities or to provide false testimony.
The Tate brothers are currently being held in Miami following an extradition request submitted by prosecutors in the United Kingdom in July regarding separate sex crimes allegations. During federal court proceedings last week, both brothers took the witness stand to argue that remaining incarcerated in Miami while contesting extradition would severely compromise their ability to mount a proper legal defense against the U.K. charges.
Their attorneys reiterated arguments previously raised in court filings, contending that the U.K.’s extradition request was improper because proceedings in Romania should take precedence.
Romanian authorities had permitted the Tate brothers to remain at liberty under certain conditions, including mandatory reporting to a Bucharest police station, while legal proceedings continued.
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McGrath reported from Leamington Spa, England.
