Top line
Law enforcement authorities in Romania raided the home of controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate on Wednesday as part of a new investigation into allegations of human trafficking of minors as the self-proclaimed misogynist awaits trial on previous trafficking and rape charges.
A masked gendarme patrols the courtyard of social media star Andrew Tate’s residence … (+)
Key data
DIICOT, Romania’s agency investigating organized crime and terrorism, said it had executed four search warrants in Bucharest and nearby Ilfov county, but did not name Tate.
The controversial influencer’s spokesperson confirmed to Reuters and Associated Press that Tate’s home was searched.
Tate’s legal team was present at the time of the raid, his spokesman said, adding: “The charges in the search warrant have not yet been fully clarified and include suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering.”
The agency said the raids were part of an investigation into allegations of human trafficking, trafficking in minors, sexual intercourse with minors, manipulating testimony, forming an organized criminal group and money laundering.
DIICOT said it would hold a hearing on the matter at its headquarters, without providing further details.
Tate and his younger brother Tristan have not yet commented on the raid on social media.
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News Peg
Tate, his brother and two other accomplices are awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. Both have denied all charges against them. In July, an appeals court in Bucharest overturned a ruling that allowed Tate to travel within the European Union while awaiting trial. In its ruling, the appeals court said it had rejected Tate’s “unfounded” request to “replace the obligation not to leave Romanian territory with the obligation not to leave the European Union.” Earlier this year, British authorities issued an arrest warrant for the controversial internet figure, who holds both British and American passports, on allegations of sexual assault dating from 2012 to 2015. Romanian authorities have agreed to extradite Tate to the UK once the trial is complete.
Important background
Romanian law enforcement first arrested Tate in December 2022 as part of an investigation into alleged human trafficking and rape. He remained in custody for several months before being placed under house arrest in March of last year. Romanian prosecutors later upgraded their charges against Tate, his brother and their accomplices to include “human trafficking in a continuous form,” a more serious offense. While they await trial, law enforcement seized $3.9 million worth of assets from the Tate brothers, including 15 luxury cars and cash in multiple currencies.
More information
Police search Andrew Tate’s Romanian home after new allegations involving minors emerge (Associated Press)
Romanian police search Andrew Tate’s house as part of human trafficking investigation (Reuters)
