Tate Brothers Face Fresh Sex‑Crime Charges in Romania
Romanian prosecutors have accused former kickboxers and social media stars Andrew and Tristan Tate of further illegal trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Directorate for Investigating Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) says the brothers earned more than $1.2 million ($888,000) by coercing a 15‑year‑old girl into sex acts over video chats.
Andrew, 39, is charged with trafficking minors, money laundering, and having sex with a minor. Tristan, 38, faces charges of complicity in trafficking minors and money laundering. They reportedly operated in Romania since 2017, attracting a large, often youthful online following with misogynistic messaging and a glamorous lifestyle.
A key victim was allegedly recruited by Tristan when she was 15 and then manipulated in a Bedfordshire flat. Investigators say Andrew used surveillance, intimidation, and physical aggression to force her to produce video‑chat content for financial gain and then relocated her to Romania to continue the exploitation in two of his homes.
Prosecutors seek to seize four luxury cars valued at £710,000, citing evidence of money‑laundering through these purchases. While the brothers are in Miami jail dealing with extradition to the UK on unrelated charges, they maintain their innocence.
Attorney Eugen Constantin Vidineac said the indictment is a new attempt after a prior version failed court review. “DIICOT’s decisions do not determine guilt, and the prosecution must meet strict judicial scrutiny before any trial can begin,” he noted. “Our clients remain innocent, entitled to due process, proper evidence examination, and a fair defence.”
