Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have returned to Romania after spending time in the United States, where they are facing serious charges of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other crimes. Speaking to the press outside their home in Bucharest, the controversial influencers declared that their return was to prove their innocence.
“We’ve come here to prove our innocence because we deserve our day in court,” Andrew Tate said, while emphasizing that "innocent men don’t run from anything."
The Tate brothers are expected to appear at a police station in Romania to officially register, with the BBC reporting that their return follows a two-year travel ban which had been lifted by Romanian prosecutors in February. Andrew Tate also shared with his 10.8 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) that the trip, involving a private jet, cost a hefty $185,000 (£143,000), simply to "sign one single piece of paper in Romania."
Despite facing serious legal issues, Andrew Tate, 38, and Tristan Tate, 36, expressed their strong feelings toward Romania, claiming they loved the country and had no intentions of leaving it, though they hinted at taking holidays if they felt like it.
The brothers, who hold dual US-UK citizenship, stand accused of forming an organized criminal group for human trafficking, along with allegations of rape, particularly aimed at Andrew Tate. The accusations involve the alleged exploitation of women in Romania. They also face a separate investigation in the UK concerning rape and trafficking claims, as well as a civil case in the United States where a woman accuses them of coercing her into sex work before defaming her.
Romanian prosecutors clarified that the case against the brothers remains open and that they remain under judicial control, meaning they must regularly report to authorities.
The Tates’ return sparked concerns among some who suspect political pressure played a role in the lifting of the travel ban, with speculation about influence from US President Donald Trump's administration. However, the Tate brothers strongly rejected these claims, with Andrew Tate stating, “There’s no American pressure, there’s just the rule of law.”
In addition to the legal troubles in Romania and the US, the brothers are facing allegations in the UK, including tax evasion, after a British court ruled in December 2024 that they owed over £2 million ($2.6 million) in unpaid taxes from £21 million in revenue generated by their online businesses. Andrew Tate described this ruling as “not justice,” calling it a “coordinated attack.”
While their legal battles continue, the brothers’ controversial online presence has garnered them significant support, especially from certain segments of the American right, who continue to rally behind them in the face of these serious allegations.
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