Romanian Police raided the homes of controversial figure Andrew Tate on Wednesday, escalating an investigation into human trafficking and rape allegations.
Tate, already awaiting trial for rape and human trafficking, may now face additional charges, including sex with minors, trafficking, money laundering, and witness tampering.
The search warrants were executed at four properties in Bucharest and Ilfov county, according to a statement from DIICOT, the special prosecution service of the Romanian Organised Crime Directorate.
The investigation has been ongoing for some time, and the latest development suggests a deepening probe into Tate’s activities. They were first detained in Romania in December 2022, then released from house arrest in August 2023.
The investigation began after an American woman reported being held against her will at one of Tate’s properties. Authorities have since expanded the inquiry, suspecting a larger human trafficking operation.
Tate, known for his provocative online presence, has denied any wrongdoing.
In response to the raid, Andrew Tate posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Matrix is real. And they have a tried and true playbook.
“Slander is their number one tool and the process is the punishment. But unfortunately for them, good always wins in the end.”
Tate has previously claimed that Romanian prosecutors lack evidence and are part of a conspiracy to silence him.
The Tate brothers, former kickboxers and dual UK-US nationals, are accused of exploiting women through an adult content business that allegedly operated as a criminal group. Two female Romanian associates and seven alleged victims are also implicated in the case.
Additionally, the Tate brothers are wanted in the UK for separate and unrelated sexual offenses.