Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are charged with human trafficking in Romania, have departed for the United States after the authorities removed their travel restriction. The two brothers are also charged with establishing a criminal organization to exploit women, with Andrew Tate having another charge of rape.
A Ministry of Internal Affairs official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that prosecutors could authorize their departure. Yet, the circumstances under which they could depart are still unknown. Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, said that even though the travel ban was revoked, judicial control measures are still in effect. These include showing up before the authorities whenever they are called, with a threat that failure to do so might result in tougher legal measures.

Andrew, aged 38, and Tristan Tate, aged 36, both of whom possess U.S. and British citizenships, were arrested in late 2022 near Bucharest with two Romanian women. They were indicted last year but no date for their trial has been fixed. All four of them reject the accusations made against them.

In December, a Bucharest court decided that the case could not go to trial because of procedural errors by the prosecution. Although this was a blow to DIICOT, it did not drop the charges, and a different case against the brothers is still pending. The other charges are facing resistance in August. DIICOT initiated yet another probe involving alleged human trafficking, the underage child trafficking, the sexual misconduct of a child, tampering with witnesses, and money laundering. The latter accusations the Tates deny as well.

International Interest and Legal Challenges

The Tates’ exit came as Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu made comments indicating that a U.S. official inquired about their case at the Munich Security Conference. Although he declined to say this constituted diplomatic pressure, several legal experts were critical of the move. Former judge Cristi Danilet said he had never known a foreign state to ask Romania to remove legal restrictions on suspects, describing it as a historic act.

Beyond Romania, the Tate brothers are also facing legal troubles in the United Kingdom. Last year, a U.K. court ruled that authorities could seize over £2.6 million ($3.3 million) from the brothers to cover unpaid taxes. Additionally, U.K. authorities have issued arrest warrants for sexual aggression allegations dating back to 2012-2015. Although Romanian courts approved their extradition, it will only take effect once their legal proceedings in Romania conclude.
Andrew Tate, a now-estranged kickboxer who has more than 10 million social media followers, continues to insist the allegations against him are politically driven and part of an even greater conspiracy to muzzle him. Yet, with several cases still ongoing, the Tate brothers’ legal woes are by no means at an end.

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