Andrew Tate and brother Tristan accused of tax evasion

Social media personality Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been accused of evading taxes on £21 million of revenue from their online businesses. 

Devon and Cornwall Police have initiated a civil claim against the brothers and a third person, identified only as J, alleging they paid no tax on their business income between 2014 and 2022.

The police are seeking to recover approximately £2.8 million from seven frozen bank accounts, a claim contested by the defendants. "Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate are serial tax and VAT evaders," stated Sarah Clarke KC, representing the police, at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday. She added, "They, in particular Andrew Tate, are brazen about it." Clarke referenced a video where Andrew Tate said, "When I lived in England I refused to pay tax," and described his strategy as "ignore, ignore, ignore because in the end they go away."

The court heard that the brothers had numerous UK bank accounts, with seven currently frozen. Clarke explained that the funds, generated from websites like OnlyFans, were "washed around" various accounts. She highlighted that the Tates spent their earnings on "cars and property" in Romania, describing this as indicative of tax evasion and money laundering.

The police allege that nearly $12 million was funnelled into an account under J's name, who had no involvement in their businesses. Clarke asserted this was fraud by false misrepresentation. The case, which uses a lower standard of proof than criminal proceedings, was adjourned until Tuesday. Andrew Tate, known for his misogynistic views, faces separate charges in Romania and the UK related to sexual offences, which he denies.