Romanian authorities have formally indicted Andrew Tate, 39, and Tristan Tate, 38, on multiple charges related to human trafficking and sexual offences. Andrew faces charges including trafficking of minors, money laundering, and sexual contact with a minor, while Tristan is charged with complicity in trafficking minors and money laundering.
According to the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Crime and Terrorism, the case centers on a vulnerable female who was 15 years old at the time of the alleged offence. Prosecutors allege that Andrew recruited the victim and housed her in Bedfordshire to sexually exploit her, coercing her to perform sex acts on video chats for financial gain estimated at over $1.2 million. The victim was subsequently moved to Romania, where she was allegedly exploited in two of Andrew’s residences. Tristan is alleged to have used physical aggression to coerce the victim. Andrew also faces a separate charge related to sexual contact with a 15-year-old minor in Romania.
The brothers, former kickboxers with dual US and British citizenship who have maintained a significant social media presence since 2017, have been under criminal investigation in Romania since December 2022. Authorities have requested the confiscation of four luxury vehicles belonging to the brothers, valued at £710,000, which prosecutors believe were purchased with laundered funds.
The Tates are currently detained in Miami while contesting extradition proceedings related to separate charges in the United Kingdom. They have denied all allegations against them. A previous indictment in Romania was returned by an appeals court in 2024 after judges determined certain evidence inadmissible. The current indictment must still be examined by a judge before trial proceedings can commence. The brothers’ legal representation stated that the indictment does not constitute a determination of guilt and indicated they will challenge the case through appropriate judicial processes.
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