CW: Sexual abuse
Romanian authorities have searched the home of controversial influencer Andrew Tate in a new investigation.
The search related to new allegations of money laundering, “sexual intercourse with a minor,” and human trafficking, including of minors.
Tate and his brother Tristan are already awaiting trial on existing charges of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.
The pair were held in custody overnight.
Background
Andrew and Tristan Tate already face multiple charges in both Romania and the UK.
The UK allegations include sexual aggression and “serial” tax evasion.
The Romanian charges include rape, human trafficking and forming an organised crime group to sexually exploit women.
The pair deny the allegations. They are awaiting trial on the Romanian allegations, laid in 2022.
New investigation into Andrew Tate
On Wednesday, armed police officers from Romania’s anti-organised crime agency (DIICOT) searched the Tates’ home in Bucharest, the country’s capital.
Police took both brothers in for questioning.
In a statement, DIICOT said it was searching four homes as part of an investigation into “an organised criminal group, trafficking in minors, trafficking in persons, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements and money laundering.”
Response
A spokesperson for Tate told The Associated Press that “although the charges in the search warrant are not yet fully clarified, they include suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering.”
Tate posted to X, describing the charges as “slander” and comparing his experience to the plot of the film ‘The Matrix’.
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