Influencer and internet personality Andrew Tate has been formally charged with rape, human trafficking, and forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women. Tate, who has been under house arrest in his home in Bucharest, Romania since March, is set to stand trial, although proceedings are not expected to begin immediately and will likely take years to play out.
Tate’s brother Tristan, as well as two other unnamed female associates, have also been charged. All parties have denied any wrongdoing. These charges follow on from the Tate brothers being arrested on suspected human trafficking in December 2022, before being released from custody to house arrest in March. Further allegations against Tate came to light in April.
As per the indictment filed in Bucharest court, the four individuals are being charged with forming a criminal organization to commit human trafficking, primarily in Romania, but also in other nations such as the U.S. and the U.K. Seven alleged victims have been identified, who claim to have been lured by the brothers with promises of love and marriage. In addition, Andrew Tate has been charged on one account of rape while Tristan Tate has been charged with instigating others to violence.
A spokesperson for the Tate brothers — who are former kickboxers and previously ran a webcam business — responded to the charges with the statement: “We embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence.”
In accordance with Romanian law, the case will now be sent to the court’s preliminary chamber and will be inspected by a judge within 60 days before it can officially be sent to trial.
Published: Jun 20, 2023 05:56 am