Romanian authorities conducted four searches at the home of internet personality Andrew Tate, located near Bucharest, on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into charges including sexual relations with a minor and human trafficking.
Tate, a social media influencer known for promoting a controversial view of masculinity, has gathered millions of followers, but his views have drawn accusations of misogyny.
In mid-2023, Tate, along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian women, faced indictments on charges of rape, human trafficking, and operating a criminal organization aimed at exploiting women, all of which they have denied.
According to a witness, around a dozen masked law enforcement officers entered Tate’s residence and subsequently took him into custody. While being escorted to a vehicle, Tate expressed his frustration, stating, “Anything other than giving me a trial would put me in jail. No trial, no judge, this country is crazy.” Notably, he was not in handcuffs during the incident.
The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) confirmed the execution of four search warrants in Bucharest and the surrounding Ilfov region. The investigation targets “a criminal case regarding the establishment of an organized criminal group, trafficking of minors, human trafficking, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements, and money laundering.”
Representatives for Tate noted that the brothers’ legal team would ensure all legal proceedings are correctly followed after the raid was confirmed. Tate had previously been granted freedom of movement within the European Union while awaiting trial on human trafficking allegations, but this decision was overturned by a Romanian appeals court in July.