Tate brothers charged with further trafficking and sex crimes in Romania

What the report says

Romanian prosecutors have filed new charges against social media influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate, accusing them of further sex crimes and trafficking-related offenses. According to Romania’s DIICOT, the brothers are alleged to have made more than $1.2 million by coercing a woman to perform sex acts on video chats. Andrew Tate, 39, faces charges including trafficking minors, money laundering and sex with a minor, while Tristan Tate, 38, is accused of complicity in trafficking minors and money laundering.

BBC News reported that the case involves allegations about a vulnerable woman who investigators say was recruited when she was 15. Prosecutors allege she was later held for sexual exploitation and moved between the UK and Romania. They also said four luxury cars linked to the brothers may be confiscated because authorities believe they were bought with laundered money. The indictment must still be reviewed by a judge before any trial can begin.

The Tates, former kickboxers with dual US and British citizenship, deny all allegations. The BBC noted that they are currently in a Miami jail while fighting extradition to the UK over separate charges. The new Romanian case adds to an investigation that has been under way since 2022 and is significant because it could lead to a separate trial and possible asset seizure if prosecutors’ case is upheld.