The anti-organised crime unit in Romania has raised the stakes in the case involving controversial influencer Andrew Tate, his brother Tristan, and two associates. The investigation has taken a significant turn as the charges against them have been escalated to “human trafficking in continued form.”
Initially centered around six women, the case has expanded to include another victim. Andrew and Tristan Tate, along with their associates, have been confined to house arrest in Bucharest since April. They are accused of rape, people-trafficking, and participating in an organised crime group, allegations they firmly deny.
On 12 June, the four suspects were summoned to the headquarters of Romania’s organised crime unit to receive notification of the increased charges leveled against them. According to Romanian law, trafficking adults can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Additionally, prosecutors have initiated a separate investigation into a Romanian individual named Vlad Obuzic, allegedly closely associated with the Tate brothers. Obuzic is currently facing charges of human trafficking and leading a criminal group engaged in the sexual exploitation of seven women. These women were reportedly coerced and enticed into producing pornographic content for social media, with the suspects retaining most of the proceeds.
In an alarming statement, prosecutors revealed that the victims were subjected to tattooing, forcibly marked with the name or face of the group member exploiting them, as a means to control and ensure loyalty.
The next step in the legal process will be the expected issuance of an indictment later this month, officially charging the Tate brothers and their associates and commencing the trial proceedings.
Andrew Tate, renowned for his sizable online following, particularly among young men fascinated by his hyper-masculine persona, recently defended himself against accusations of fostering a culture of misogyny in an interview with BBC News. He dismissed the testimonies of the women involved in the investigation, asserting their actions were driven by opportunism.
Subsequently, a British woman came forward, alleging that Tate had subjected her to choking until she lost consciousness during a sexual encounter, followed by threatening behavior. Tate’s spokesperson expressed disappointment, characterizing the accusations as the actions of “a few opportunistic women” seeking to exploit his current situation.
