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Romanian prosecutors have formally indicted social media influencer Andrew Tate on multiple charges, including trafficking minors, money laundering, having sex with a minor and witness tampering, nearly four years after authorities began investigating him.
His brother, Tristan Tate, has also been indicted on charges of complicity. The pair, who hold dual US and British citizenship and previously competed as professional kickboxers, have denied all allegations.
The Tate brothers were arrested in Miami in late July after British authorities requested their extradition. They have remained in US custody while a court considers the request linked to separate rape allegations in the United Kingdom.
The brothers have mainly lived in Romania since 2017 and have faced a criminal investigation there since December 2022. Prosecutors from Romania’s anti-organised crime unit, DIICOT, allege that the Tates recruited victims by presenting romantic intentions before forcing them to create pornographic material for a webcam business.
Their lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, said the defence team would challenge the allegations through legal channels.
“We will examine every aspect of (the indictment) with the same level of scrutiny and we will challenge any evidential, procedural or legal deficiencies through the appropriate judicial process,” Vidineac said in a statement.
“Our clients continue to reject the allegations against them,” he added.
Romanian prosecutors have not confirmed whether they will seek the brothers’ extradition from the United States. Under Romanian law, the case can proceed even if the defendants are absent, but a trial cannot begin immediately.
The indictment must first go through a preliminary chamber review, where a judge will assess whether the evidence and procedures meet legal requirements. Although Romanian law gives the judge 60 days to complete the review, such proceedings often take longer.
Andrew Tate, who has described himself as a misogynist, previously said he moved to Romania because he believed authorities were less strict there.
The brothers have built a large online following, particularly among young men, through content promoting a wealthy, hyper-masculine lifestyle featuring luxury cars, expensive homes and relationships with women. Their online presence has also attracted widespread criticism over their views on women and gender roles.
