Romanian prosecutors indict Andrew and Tristan Tate on trafficking and related charges

Romanian prosecutors have formally indicted social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan on multiple charges, including trafficking of minors, money laundering, sexual exploitation of a minor and witness tampering. The indictment follows investigations that began in December 2022 after the brothers, who hold dual U.S. and British citizenship, were arrested in Miami in July following a British extradition request.

According to the anti-organized crime unit DIICOT, the brothers recruited victims by misrepresenting their intentions as seeking relationships or marriage, then forced them to create pornographic content for a webcam operation that generated approximately $1.25 million, most of which was retained by the Tate brothers. The funds were allegedly laundered through the purchase of four luxury vehicles.

DIICOT stated that one victim, aged 15 at the time of initial contact in the United Kingdom in 2012, was later moved to Bucharest where she was subjected to physical violence and intimidation to produce the content. Tristan Tate was described as an accessory who used physical aggression to coerce the victim.

A DIICOT spokesperson indicated that it is not yet clear whether Romanian authorities will seek the brothers' extradition from the United States. The brothers could be tried in absentia, but the trial will not commence immediately; the indictment must first be reviewed by a preliminary court chamber, which has up to 60 days to issue a report, though such proceedings often take longer.

The brothers have denied the allegations. Their Romanian lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, said, "> We will examine every aspect of [the indictment] with the same level of scrutiny and we will challenge any evidential, procedural or legal deficiencies through the appropriate judicial process."