Law enforcement authorities in Romania raided the home of controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate on Wednesday as part of a new investigation into allegations of trafficking of minors, as the self-proclaimed misogynist awaits trials on earlier human trafficking and rape charges
A masked gendarme patrols the courtyard of the residence of social media personality Andrew Tate ... [+]
DIICOT, the Romanian agency that investigates organized crime and terrorism, said it had executed 4 house search warrants in Bucharest and nearby Ilfov County, without naming Tate.
The controversial influencer’s spokesperson confirmed to Reuters and the Associated Press that Tate’s home was searched.
Tate’s legal team was present at the time of the raid, his spokesperson said, adding “charges in the search warrant are not yet fully clarified, they include suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering.”
The agency said the raids were part of an investigation into allegations of human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements, forming an organized crime group and money laundering.
DIICOT said it will conduct a hearing on the matter at its headquarters without further details.
Tate and his younger brother Tristan have not yet commented about the raid on social media.
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Tate, his brother and two other associates are awaiting trial on separate charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. Both have denied all allegations against them. In July, an appeals court in Bucharest overturned a ruling that allowed Tate to travel within the European Union while he awaits trial. In its decision, the appeals court said it rejected Tate’s “unfounded” request to “replace the obligation to not leave Romanian territory with the obligation of not leaving the European Union.” Earlier this year, U.K. authorities issued an arrest warrant against the controversial internet figure, who holds both British and American passports, based on allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012-2015. Romanian authorities have agreed to extradite Tate to the U.K. after their trial is completed.
Romanian law enforcement first detained Tate in December 2022, as part of an investigation into alleged human trafficking and rape. He remained under detention for several months, before being moved into house arrest in March last year. Romanian prosecutors later upgraded their charges against Tate, his brother and their associates to include “human trafficking in continued form,” a more serious offense. As they await trial, law enforcement authorities have seized assets worth $3.9 million from the Tate brothers including 15 luxury cars and cash in several currencies.
Police raid Andrew Tate’s home in Romania as new allegations emerge involving minors (Associated Press)
Romanian police raid home of Andrew Tate amid human trafficking probe (Reuters)