Social media influencer Andrew Tate has been officially indicted in absentia by Romanian prosecutors in cases related to trafficking of minors, having sexual relations with minor, witness tempering and money laundering.
His brother Tristan Tate has also been charged for complicity in crimes. The former kickboxers, having dual citizenship of the UK and USA, have been facing criminal investigation in Romania since 2022.
They were arrested in July after Britain requested their extradition from the US. The case is ongoing.
Romanian prosecutors have accused Tate brothers of recruiting victims by giving them false hope of marriage/relationship; however, they later forced them to produce pornographic content.
The prosecutors have also alleged that one of the victims was 15 years old when Andrew Tate met her in Britain in 2012 before taking her to Romania, where she was allegedly sexually exploited and forced to produce pornographic content.
According to prosecutors, the brothers allegedly made around $1.25 million from the victim’s online video-chat activities, keeping around 80% of the money generated from her work.
The indictment also accuses Andrew Tate of having sex with another 15-year-old and attempting to influence or intimidate witnesses.
Tristan Tate is accused of helping his brother in the alleged crimes and using physical aggression against one of the victims, according to Romanian prosecutors.
The brothers have denied all the allegations and their lawyer Eugen Vidineac said they would challenge any evidential, procedural or legal problems with the indictment.
The latest indictment does not mean the brothers will immediately face trial.
The case will first go before a preliminary court chamber, where a judge will examine the indictment and evidence before deciding whether the case can proceed to trial.
The brothers are currently being held in the United States as they fight Britain’s request to extradite them over separate rape charges.
2026-09-04 22:21:00
