A Bucharest court has ruled that the human trafficking case against controversial internet personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate cannot advance to trial in its current state. This recent decision comes as the Court of Appeals upheld a challenge from the brothers, prompting prosecutors to return to their investigation. As a result of this ruling, prosecutors have been granted five days to either refine the indictment or dismiss the charges entirely.
The Tate brothers, aged 34 and 36, are accused of engaging in human trafficking and conspiring to exploit women through an organized criminal enterprise disguised as an adult content business. These allegations involve claims from seven alleged victims, as well as accusations against two female Romanian associates named in the indictment from June 2022. The brothers have firmly denied the accusations.
Previously, a ruling from the same court in November pointed out "irregularities" within the prosecution's indictment, necessitating amendments and the exclusion of certain evidence, including some statements from speaking victims labeled inadmissible. This recent ruling marks a notable setback for the prosecution's case.
Andrew Tate, who identifies openly as a misogynist and has been banned from several social media platforms, has amassed millions of followers with his provocative online persona. After the court’s ruling, he expressed his frustration, stating, “They’ve had years to build their case… And yet, they have nothing,” emphasizing his commitment to proving his innocence.
His brother Tristan echoed the sentiment, arguing that the lack of sufficient evidence after years suggests that there never was any. Romanian authorities have yet to provide statements regarding the ruling from their public prosecutor's office, known as DIICOT.
In addition to the ongoing human trafficking investigation, the Tate brothers are facing a new inquiry concerning the trafficking of minors, sexual misconduct with minors, and money laundering. Following the recent legal developments, Andrew Tate has been under house arrest, while Tristan remains under special judicial control.
Moreover, the Tate brothers are also dealing with extradition requests from UK authorities relating to separate accusations of rape and human trafficking, which they have denied. The brothers are further entangled in tax evasion issues, with a British court recently allowing police to freeze over £2 million from their accounts due to unpaid taxes accrued from their online ventures.
