Andrew Tate, a controversial social media influencer, has been accused of rape, human trafficking, and organizing a criminal organization ring to sexually exploit women in Romania on June 20. Tristan, his brother, and two other associates are also charged and they have denied all allegations.
The Tate brothers were arrested for the first time in December 2022 at their Bucharest home. Following a judgment by a Romanian judge in March 2023, they were transferred from detention to house arrest.
Bucharest court claims that the four defendants formed an organised criminal cell in 2021 to commit human trafficking not only in Romania but also in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. It cites seven claimed victims, alleging that the Tate brothers lured them in with false promises of love and marriage. Romanian authorities state that the accused victims were later brought to premises in Ilfov county in Romania, where they were frightened, subjected to continual surveillance and supervision, and pressured into debt. The defendants allegedly forced the victims to participate in pornography, which was then published on social media. According to the statement, one suspect is accused of raping a woman twice in March 2022. Separate charges, including money laundering and minor trafficking, are still under investigation and could result in a separate trial.
The trial will not begin right away and is expected to last several years. Before the case can be taken to trial, a Romanian court now has 60 days to analyse the case files.
"While this news is undoubtedly predictable, we embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence and vindicate their reputation,” the media team of the Tate brothers said.
He became well-known online, with Twitter banning him for stating that women should "bear some responsibility" for being sexually attacked.
Despite social media bans, he rose to popularity, particularly among young males, by preaching a hyper-masculine, ultra-luxurious lifestyle.
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