Romanian police have conducted searches at the homes of controversial internet personality Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan on Wednesday, deepening an ongoing investigation into new allegations of sex crimes, human trafficking, and money laundering. The Tates, already facing charges of human trafficking and rape, could now potentially be implicated in further crimes and face additional charges of sex with, and trafficking in, underage persons, as well as money-laundering and attempting to influence witnesses, according to Romanian prosecutors.
The raids, carried out in Bucharest and Ilfov county, were part of a continuing probe led by Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT). In a statement, DIICOT confirmed that four properties were searched as part of this expanded investigation.
Andrew Tate, who gained notoriety for his ultra-masculine and misogynistic views, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following the raid, stating: “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.”
The Tate brothers, both former kickboxers and dual UK-US nationals, were first detained in Romania in December 2022 and released from house arrest in August 2023. They are accused of running a criminal operation that exploited women through an adult content business. The indictment also includes two Romanian female associates, and prosecutors have identified seven alleged victims.
Despite the serious allegations, the Tates continue to deny any wrongdoing, maintaining that there is a conspiracy against them and that Romanian authorities lack evidence. The brothers are also wanted in the UK in connection with unrelated sexual offenses.
Melissa Enoch
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