In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Court of Appeals in Bucharest determined that the human trafficking case against Andrew and Tristan Tate could not advance to trial in its current format, requiring prosecutors to revisit the indictment. This marks the second occasion the court has returned the case to the prosecution, mandating them to make necessary amendments or outright dismiss the charges within five days.
The 38-year-old Andrew and 36-year-old Tristan Tate face accusations of human trafficking and forming an organized group aimed at sexually exploiting women, allegations both brothers vehemently deny. Last November, the same court cited "irregularities" in the initial indictment, prompting prosecutors to revise their legal strategy.
Notably, the court had previously found some victim testimonies inadmissible and excised several pieces of evidence from the case, contributing to the complications faced by the prosecution. The Tates have been accused of operating an adult content business that allegedly functions as a criminal enterprise, reportedly exploiting women in the process.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer known for his controversial and misogynistic comments online, released a statement following the court's decision. "They've had years to build their case—years to tear apart my life—and yet, they have nothing," he asserted, reiterating his commitment to proving his innocence.
Tristan echoed his brother's sentiments, noting that if there wasn't enough evidence to proceed to trial after extensive time, it suggests that such evidence never existed. Meanwhile, Romania's public prosecutor's office has yet to issue a statement on the recent ruling.
Additionally, in August, DIICOT launched a second investigation against the Tate brothers concerning new allegations of minor trafficking, sexual misconduct with minors, and money laundering. Following these developments, Andrew Tate was placed under house arrest, while Tristan faced special judicial control.
The Tate brothers also face extradition efforts from UK police related to allegations of rape and human trafficking and are reportedly under investigation for tax evasion in the UK. A recent British court decision allows police to confiscate beyond £2 million from the brothers for unpaid taxes stemming from £21 million in earnings from their online enterprises.
The 38-year-old Andrew and 36-year-old Tristan Tate face accusations of human trafficking and forming an organized group aimed at sexually exploiting women, allegations both brothers vehemently deny. Last November, the same court cited "irregularities" in the initial indictment, prompting prosecutors to revise their legal strategy.
Notably, the court had previously found some victim testimonies inadmissible and excised several pieces of evidence from the case, contributing to the complications faced by the prosecution. The Tates have been accused of operating an adult content business that allegedly functions as a criminal enterprise, reportedly exploiting women in the process.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer known for his controversial and misogynistic comments online, released a statement following the court's decision. "They've had years to build their case—years to tear apart my life—and yet, they have nothing," he asserted, reiterating his commitment to proving his innocence.
Tristan echoed his brother's sentiments, noting that if there wasn't enough evidence to proceed to trial after extensive time, it suggests that such evidence never existed. Meanwhile, Romania's public prosecutor's office has yet to issue a statement on the recent ruling.
Additionally, in August, DIICOT launched a second investigation against the Tate brothers concerning new allegations of minor trafficking, sexual misconduct with minors, and money laundering. Following these developments, Andrew Tate was placed under house arrest, while Tristan faced special judicial control.
The Tate brothers also face extradition efforts from UK police related to allegations of rape and human trafficking and are reportedly under investigation for tax evasion in the UK. A recent British court decision allows police to confiscate beyond £2 million from the brothers for unpaid taxes stemming from £21 million in earnings from their online enterprises.
