LONDON (AP) - Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate have been formally charged in the United Kingdom with serious crimes, including rape and related offenses, as disclosed by prosecutors on Wednesday. These charges were authorized in January of the previous year; however, they had not been made public until now. Previously, news outlets reported on an arrest warrant issued by the U.K. authorities against the Tates, who are dual citizens of the United States and Britain. The brothers relocated to Romania in 2016.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, this announcement marks the first official confirmation that Andrew and Tristan Tate are facing criminal charges in Britain. Specifically, Andrew Tate, aged 38, faces ten charges related to three women, which encompass offenses such as rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for gain. On the other hand, Tristan Tate, aged 36, faces eleven charges concerning one woman—including rape, human trafficking, and actual bodily harm.
The Tate brothers, both former professional kickboxers, have garnered millions of followers across various social media platforms. Andrew Tate is particularly notable for his controversial persona, which is characterized by unabashed misogyny and a luxurious lifestyle that has attracted a significant young male audience.
A spokesperson for the brothers did not provide an immediate comment when approached by the Associated Press. However, in response to the BBC's coverage of the criminal charges, Andrew Tate took to the social media platform X to assert that authorities target individuals who oppose them. He urged men not to give up or be afraid.
The Tate brothers were arrested in Romania in late 2022 and were formally indicted later that year for their involvement in a criminal enterprise that allegedly tricked women into moving to Romania, where they were reportedly sexually exploited. Andrew Tate was also charged with rape in those proceedings. The brothers maintain their innocence regarding the allegations made against them in Romania, where legal proceedings continue.
As per British prosecutors, Romanian authorities have issued a ruling for the extradition of the Tates back to the U.K. once their ongoing court case in Romania reaches a conclusion. The warrant issued by Bedfordshire Police pertains to allegations spanning from 2012 to 2015.
Currently, the precise location of the brothers remains uncertain. They were last photographed outside a police station in Voluntari, Romania, where they are obligated to report regularly due to the ongoing legal issues they face.
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Associated Press writer Jill Lawless contributed to this report.
