Andrew Tate and his brother to face trial in Romania over human trafficking allegations
Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been charged in Romania over allegations of human trafficking and forming an organised crime group.
The Tate brothers are accused of tricking seven girls into sexual exploitation on pretend guarantees of a relationship or marriage – a way authorities have labelled the “loverboy method”.
They are charged alongside two Romanian feminine suspects who’re accused of being a part of the alleged organised crime group.
It is alleged all 4 fashioned the group in 2021 to commit human trafficking in Romania and different nations – together with the US and UK.
Alongside fees of human trafficking, Andrew Tate has additionally been charged with raping one of many victims, whereas his brother Tristan has been charged with instigating others to violence.
They deny the allegations.
A spokesperson for the Tate brothers described the choice to cost the pair as “undoubtedly predictable”.
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan
“We embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence and vindicate their reputation,” the spokesperson mentioned.
“Tate’s legal team are prepared to cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities, presenting all necessary evidence to exonerate the brothers and expose any misinterpretations or false accusations.”
The Tate brothers had been first arrested in a property in Bucharest in December final yr and held in custody till March – once they had been launched beneath home arrest.
On Tuesday, prosecutors agreed to ship all 4 suspects to trial – although a date has not but been set.
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Under Romanian regulation, the case is now attributable to be despatched to the courtroom’s preliminary chamber, the place a choose has 60 days to examine the case information.
In an announcement saying the choice to maneuver to trial, Romania’s Directorate for the Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism mentioned authorities had seized Bitcoin, price an estimated $385,000 (£301,000), from cryptocurrency wallets belonging to the Tates.
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They additionally seized 15 buildings and areas of land, 15 luxurious vehicles, 14 luxurious watches, two ingots – blocks of often treasured steel – and a medal as a part of their investigation.
British-American Andrew Tate, who has been primarily based primarily in Romania since 2017, is a web-based influencer who has amassed tens of millions of followers, notably younger males.
The former skilled kickboxer and his sibling had been taken into custody on 29 December – however had been moved to deal with arrest after an attraction.
Tate is banned from Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for violating guidelines on “dangerous individuals” and breaching hate speech guidelines.
He was kicked off Twitter in 2017, however allowed again in November 2022.