New charges against Andrew Tate in Romania: human trafficking of minors, sexual contact with a minor and money laundering
Romanian prosecutors have formally referred Andrew Tate to trial for human trafficking of minors and sexual contact with a minor. The Tate brothers remain detained in the United States.
Romanian prosecutors refer Andrew Tate to trial for human trafficking of minors
Romania's prosecution authorities proceeded on Friday with the formal referral of Andrew Tate to trial on a series of serious charges, as reported by In.gr. The indictment includes human trafficking of minors, sexual contact with a minor, money laundering and attempted witness intimidation. His brother, Tristan Tate, faces charges of complicity.
The two former kickboxers, holders of American and British citizenship, are currently in custody in the United States. They were arrested in Miami in late July following an extradition request from British authorities, according to Reuters.
The pattern described in the charges
According to Romanian prosecutors, as reported by Reuters, the Tate brothers are alleged to have approached women and cultivated romantic relationships with them, suggesting an intention for a serious relationship or marriage. Subsequently, according to the charges, they forced the women to produce pornographic material for an online business involving erotic content.
The Tate brothers settled in Romania in 2017. Since December 2022 they have been facing investigation by Romanian authorities for offences including human trafficking. They have repeatedly denied any illegal activity.
The defence will contest the indictment
The brothers' Romanian lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, stated that the legal team would examine every element of the case file and would challenge any weaknesses in the evidence, procedures or legal reasoning.
"Our clients continue to reject the charges against them," Vidineac emphasised.
Parallel proceedings in the USA and Britain
For now, a judge in the United States is examining the British extradition request for the two brothers, who are also facing prosecution in Britain on rape charges. In parallel, a representative of DIICOT — Romania's agency against organised crime that is handling the case — stated that it has not yet been decided whether Romania would also submit an extradition request to the United States.
Trial in Romania will not begin immediately
The formal referral to trial does not mean that proceedings will begin soon. The indictment must first be subject to preliminary judicial review, during which the legality of the case file and procedures is examined. Typically, this phase is completed within 60 days, however similar cases often last significantly longer, according to Reuters. Romanian law also permits trial in absentia.
From social media to courts in three countries
Andrew Tate has acquired a vast following on social media in recent years, mainly among young men, building a public image around expensive cars, displays of wealth and extreme "macho" attitudes. He has characterised himself as a misogynist and in the past stated that he chose Romania as his place of residence partly because of what he claimed was laxer law enforcement.
Now, whilst continuing to deny all charges, the Tate brothers are facing court proceedings in Romania, Britain and the United States simultaneously, with the possibility of extradition remaining open on both sides of the Atlantic.
Source: In.gr