Romanian authorities have searched the home of controversial influencer Andrew Tate, who is awaiting trial on human trafficking and rape charges, as part of a new investigation, officials said.
One of the most notorious influencers in the world, infamous for his misogynistic and sometimes violent statements, Andrew Tate is accused of having, in early 2021, together with his brother Tristan, created an organized criminal network in Romania and Great Britain. The two deny the charges, AFP reported.
Prosecutors say Tate, 37, his 36-year-old brother and two women formed a criminal organization and sexually exploited several victims. A trial date has not yet been set.
Prosecutors "executed a search warrant this morning, August 21, 2024, at the Tate brothers' residence as part of a search related to a new investigation," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
The Office for the Prevention of Organized Crime (DIICOT) said four search warrants were executed concerning the "offences of forming an organized criminal group, trafficking of minors", "sexual relations with a minor" and "money laundering".
Neither statement said whether the new charges were directed at the brothers.
They were detained in 2022 in Bucharest and spent three months in custody before being released under judicial supervision pending trial.
The brothers are accused of rape and assault in separate cases in Britain, where they are also accused of tax evasion.
In 2016, Tate appeared on the UK reality TV show Big Brother but was axed after a video surfaced showing him assaulting a woman.
He then took to social media to promote his divisive views.
Advising on how to be successful, along with misogynistic and sometimes violent maxims, his videos have made him one of the most famous influencers in the world. | BGNES
