Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate are set to return to Britain to face rape, human trafficking, and other charges, according to a statement from their lawyers on Thursday. The charges were authorized by prosecutors in January 2024 against the Tates, who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and Britain and relocated to Romania in 2016.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced the details of the charges, which involve multiple women, only on Wednesday, leaving defense lawyers concerned about a lack of transparency. They argue that the historic nature of the allegations complicates their case, as they have not been informed of the identities of the supposed victims. The Holborn Adams law firm representing the brothers criticized this withholding of information, indicating that it reflects a biased approach related to the Tates' public profiles.
The Tates, both former professional kickboxers with millions of social media followers, have become polarizing figures, particularly Andrew, known for espousing misogynistic views. Currently, Andrew Tate, 38, faces ten charges connected to three women, including rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for profit. On the other hand, Tristan Tate, 36, is facing eleven charges pertaining to one woman, which also include rape and human trafficking.
The allegations against the brothers originate from Bedfordshire, a county located north of London, and date back to incidents occurring between 2012 and 2015. Both siblings were arrested in Romania in late 2022 and were indicted last year on separate charges for their involvement in a criminal organization allegedly responsible for luring women and exploiting them sexually. Notably, Andrew Tate has also been charged with rape.
The Tates have consistently denied all charges in Romania, leading to an appeals court ruling in December that a human trafficking case against them could not move forward due to legal and procedural issues. As their legal battle unfolds in Romania, British prosecutors have revealed that Romanian courts have issued an extradition order for the brothers, which will be activated once their case in Romania is resolved.
Despite facing serious allegations, the Tates' lawyers claim they have evidence that could potentially contradict the accusations. However, they have expressed frustration that local police and prosecutors have not engaged with them. The brothers' legal team has indicated that they plan to return to England after concluding their current legal proceedings in Romania. They stated that Andrew and Tristan Tate would be vigorously defended against the charges stemming from the U.K.
