Andrew Tate under house arrest amid new trafficking charges
Romanian authorities investigate Andrew Tate for new sex trafficking allegations
![Andrew Tate flanked by masked gendarmes is led for questioning after a police search raid on his residence, on the outskirts of Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Aug. 21 2024. Masked police officers in Romania carried out fresh raids early Wednesday at the home of divisive internet influencer Andrew Tate, who is awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. (AP Photo/ Vadim Ghirda).](https://thethaiger.com/world/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Romania_Andrew_Tate_24234520779222-scaled.jpg)
Romanian authorities have placed Andrew Tate under house arrest as they investigate serious allegations related to sex trafficking of minors.
The controversial online figure appeared in court with his brother, Tristan, who is also under special judicial control. This follows a raid on Tate’s home due to new human trafficking and sexual exploitation accusations involving 35 victims, including a 15-year-old girl.
Romania’s anti-organised crime agency, DIICOT, reported six individuals, both Romanians and foreigners, were detained. The charges involve human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements, and money laundering, though specific charges for each person were not detailed.
EVERY ACCUSATION AGAINST ME IS A LIE.
EVERY SINGLE ONE IS FABRICATED.
ENOUGH OF THE CORRUPTION. pic.twitter.com/3nlGxDJHbV
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) August 22, 2024
Andrew Tate, leaving the courtroom, vehemently denied the charges, calling the case a ‘stitch-up’ and lies. He claimed that most of the alleged victims have stated his innocence, with two being mothers of his children. When questioned about allegations of sex with a minor, Tate did not respond.
Mateea Petrescu, Tate’s spokesperson, acknowledged the raids but noted that the charges remain unclear, mentioning suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering. Petrescu did not address allegations involving minors.
The brothers, previously accused of rape and human trafficking, are awaiting trial on those charges in Romania. They had been released from house arrest a year ago but were restricted from leaving the country.
This week’s allegations involve grooming vulnerable individuals and coercing them to create online pornography, according to DIICOT.
As they were taken into custody, Andrew Tate accused prosecutors of desperation, dismissing the new file as even more absurd than the previous one. He referenced the ‘loverboy method,’ a tactic used by traffickers to manipulate victims into exploitation through feigned romantic relationships.
Originally from Luton, Andrew and Tristan Tate have amassed millions of social media followers by promoting a hyper-masculine lifestyle often criticised for misogynistic content. They have consistently denied all allegations, with Andrew Tate claiming the charges are part of a mainstream conspiracy to silence him.
A trial date has not been set.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News reports that Andrew Tate has been placed under house arrest in Romania amid new human trafficking allegations involving minors and sexual relations with minors.(read more)
- The Telegraph reports that Andrew Tate has been placed under house arrest as new sex trafficking allegations are investigated.(read more)
- The Independent reports that controversial influencer Andrew Tate has been placed under house arrest in Romania, facing accusations of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, including involving minors.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Andrew Tate under house arrest?
Andrew Tate is under house arrest in Romania due to new allegations of sex trafficking and trafficking of minors.
Who else is involved in the case with Andrew Tate?
Andrew Tate’s brother, Tristan, and four other individuals have also been detained in connection with the case.
What are the charges against Andrew Tate?
The charges include human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements, and money laundering.
What is the ‘loverboy method’ mentioned in the case?
The ‘loverboy method’ involves grooming victims into romantic relationships to coerce them into exploitation, such as forced prostitution.
Has Andrew Tate responded to the allegations?
He has called the case a ‘stitch-up’ and denied wrongdoing, claiming it is part of a conspiracy to silence him.