The scrutiny arises from Tate's citizenship acquisition in December 2022, coinciding with his arrest and subsequent legal challenges in Romania. Despite Vanuatu’s economic reliance on citizenship-by-investment programs, officials are wary of the implications of granting citizenship to individuals embroiled in serious criminal investigations.

In the wake of various controversies surrounding the Sale of Passports framework, Vanuatu's authorities stated, “The government does not want to encourage people of questionable backgrounds to be granted citizenship.” The pushback from the European Union and other international bodies over such schemes has only intensified the need for a comprehensive review of who qualifies for these fast-tracked opportunities.

Having gathered millions of followers online, Tate has attracted attention not only for his lifestyle, which showcases luxury living, but also for his openly misogynistic views, making him a polarizing figure globally. Currently, the UK is pursuing his and his brother Tristan's extradition to address charges stemming from allegations dating back to 2012.

With Vanuatu lacking a formal extradition treaty with Romania, the fate of Tate's citizenship remains uncertain as legal proceedings unfold, raising questions about the implications of such rapid citizenship grants moving forward.