A civil suit against them in the US further complicates their legal troubles as their attorney claims bias in the state's actions.
Florida Launches Criminal Probe into Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate
Florida Launches Criminal Probe into Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate
The state investigates the brothers following allegations of human trafficking and rape from Romania.
Florida has initiated a criminal investigation into Andrew and Tristan Tate, infamous influencers and former kickboxers, after they arrived in the state from Romania last week. This move comes amid ongoing serious allegations including rape and human trafficking against the siblings. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed that search warrants and subpoenas have been issued as part of the "now-active" investigation.
The Tates are currently facing a civil lawsuit in the United States from a woman who alleges they coerced her into sex work before subsequently defaming her after she provided evidence to Romanian authorities. The brothers firmly reject all accusations leveled against them.
Andrew Tate, age 38, and his brother Tristan, age 36, have built a substantial online following, partly due to Andrew's controversial persona as a self-described misogynist who previously appeared on the UK reality show Big Brother. They are also entangled in separate charges in the UK related to rape and human trafficking, which they likewise deny.
Uthmeier indicated in a statement released Tuesday that he had directed his office to collaborate with law enforcement to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the Tates. Following a careful evaluation of the evidence, he empowered the Office of Statewide Prosecution to enforce search warrants and issue subpoenas in connection with the ongoing investigation.
In response to the announcement, the brothers' attorney, Joseph McBride, criticized Uthmeier’s public comments as biased and inflammatory—suggesting that the attorney general was taking an inappropriate stand in an ongoing lawsuit in Florida concerning claims against a woman whom the Tates allege is attempting to ruin their lives through an orchestrated plan of manipulation.
The Tates first encountered serious legal issues when they were arrested in Romania in December 2022. Andrew faced allegations of rape and human trafficking, while Tristan was implicated as a suspect for human trafficking. After several months under house arrest, both brothers have consistently denied all charges brought against them. As of now, they must report back to Bucharest by the end of March to adhere to prosecutor conditions, although their compliance remains uncertain.
Adding to their legal woes, British authorities in Bedfordshire are pursuing a separate extradition against Andrew for unrelated charges of rape, human trafficking, and tax evasion. In the UK, four women have filed a civil lawsuit against him in High Court, asserting accusations of rape and coercive control, highlighting a belief that he would evade prosecution in Romania, and seeking UK intervention for justice.
The Tates are currently facing a civil lawsuit in the United States from a woman who alleges they coerced her into sex work before subsequently defaming her after she provided evidence to Romanian authorities. The brothers firmly reject all accusations leveled against them.
Andrew Tate, age 38, and his brother Tristan, age 36, have built a substantial online following, partly due to Andrew's controversial persona as a self-described misogynist who previously appeared on the UK reality show Big Brother. They are also entangled in separate charges in the UK related to rape and human trafficking, which they likewise deny.
Uthmeier indicated in a statement released Tuesday that he had directed his office to collaborate with law enforcement to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the Tates. Following a careful evaluation of the evidence, he empowered the Office of Statewide Prosecution to enforce search warrants and issue subpoenas in connection with the ongoing investigation.
In response to the announcement, the brothers' attorney, Joseph McBride, criticized Uthmeier’s public comments as biased and inflammatory—suggesting that the attorney general was taking an inappropriate stand in an ongoing lawsuit in Florida concerning claims against a woman whom the Tates allege is attempting to ruin their lives through an orchestrated plan of manipulation.
The Tates first encountered serious legal issues when they were arrested in Romania in December 2022. Andrew faced allegations of rape and human trafficking, while Tristan was implicated as a suspect for human trafficking. After several months under house arrest, both brothers have consistently denied all charges brought against them. As of now, they must report back to Bucharest by the end of March to adhere to prosecutor conditions, although their compliance remains uncertain.
Adding to their legal woes, British authorities in Bedfordshire are pursuing a separate extradition against Andrew for unrelated charges of rape, human trafficking, and tax evasion. In the UK, four women have filed a civil lawsuit against him in High Court, asserting accusations of rape and coercive control, highlighting a belief that he would evade prosecution in Romania, and seeking UK intervention for justice.
