Romanian prosecutors have indicted social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate, on charges including human trafficking, sex with a minor, and money laundering. The indictment, unsealed Friday, stems from an investigation that led to the brothers' arrest in late 2022.
According to DIICOT, Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, the Tate brothers coerced a victim by falsely presenting themselves as being in a loving relationship and then forcing her to create pornographic material for an online webcam business. Prosecutors allege that in 2012, the brothers recruited a 15-year-old girl from Luton, England, and subsequently profited over $1.2 million from her webcam activities after she was repeatedly brought to Romania.
DIICOT claims Tristan Tate was aware of the victim’s age and that Andrew Tate had recruited her. Between 2014 and 2021, Tristan allegedly deceived the victim about his brother’s intentions, facilitating her sexual exploitation. The indictment also states that between December 2020 and mid-2021, Andrew Tate engaged in repeated sexual intercourse and acts with another minor victim, also 15 years old.
The brothers, dual U.S.-British citizens, are known for their online presence promoting themes of wealth, male dominance, and misogyny.
Investigators also allege that between December 2023 and July 2024, the Tates attempted to conceal the origins of money obtained through human trafficking by purchasing four luxury vehicles valued at approximately 825,000 euros ($957,000). Prosecutors have requested the confiscation of these vehicles.
Both Andrew and Tristan Tate have consistently denied all allegations. Andrew Tate has also asserted that a political conspiracy is behind the efforts to silence them.
The current indictment follows an earlier one in 2023, which a court returned to DIICOT in 2024 due to legal and procedural issues with the prosecution. Separately, the Tate brothers are currently detained in Miami, facing extradition to the United Kingdom on sex crime allegations requested in July. Their legal team argued in federal court last week that remaining in a Miami jail would prevent them from adequately defending themselves against the U.K. charges while their Romanian case is ongoing. Lawyers for the Tates contend that the extradition request is premature as the Romanian proceedings have not been resolved.
Romanian authorities had previously allowed the Tate brothers to remain free under certain restrictions, including mandatory check-ins with the Bucharest police, while their case progressed.