Controversial internet personality Andrew Tate is under renewed scrutiny as Romanian police conduct searches at his properties in connection with additional criminal allegations. Tate, already facing trial for rape and human trafficking, is now under investigation for potential charges of sex with underage persons, trafficking minors, money laundering, and attempting to influence witnesses, according to Romanian prosecutors.
New allegations and ongoing investigation
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, who have amassed a large social media following, have consistently denied all previous charges. However, the latest allegations add to the legal troubles they already face. The brothers were initially detained in Romania in December 2022 and were released from house arrest in August 2023. The Romanian Organised Crime Directorate’s special prosecution service, DIICOT, confirmed that four properties were searched on Wednesday morning in Bucharest and Ilfov County. The BBC reports that these searches are directly related to Andrew Tate and are part of an ongoing investigation that has been active for some time.
Tate’s response to the raid
In response to the police raid, Andrew Tate took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his views: “The Matrix is real. And they have a tried and true playbook. Slander is their number one tool and the process is the punishment. But unfortunately for them, Good always wins in the end.”
Tate, who openly describes himself as a misogynist, has been banned from several social media platforms for promoting misogynistic views. He has consistently claimed that Romanian prosecutors lack evidence against him and insists that there is a conspiracy to silence him.
Background and previous charges
The Tate brothers, who hold dual UK-US citizenship and have a background in kickboxing, stand accused of exploiting women through an adult content business that prosecutors allege operated as a criminal enterprise. In June of last year, two female Romanian associates were indicted alongside the brothers, and seven alleged victims were identified by authorities.
In addition to the charges they face in Romania, the Tate brothers are also wanted in the UK in connection with separate sexual offences allegedly committed there. The latest developments in the investigation against Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan indicate that their legal battles are far from over. As Romanian authorities continue to probe these new allegations, the controversial influencers face increasing scrutiny both at home and abroad. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the Tates, who continue to publicly deny all charges against them.