Romanian prosecutors have charged Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, with rape, human trafficking, and forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women. His brother Tristan and two associates have also faced the charges. The Tate brothers were arrested in December at their Bucharest home and were placed under house arrest in March following a decision by a Romanian judge.
According to the accusation filed with the Bucharest court, the four defendants allegedly formed an organized criminal gang in 2021 to engage in human trafficking, not only in Romania but also in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The prosecution has identified seven alleged victims who were recruited by the Tate brothers through false promises of love and marriage. These women were later taken to buildings in Ilfov county, Romania, where they were subjected to intimidation, constant surveillance, control, and forced into debt, as stated by Romanian prosecutors.
The defendants allegedly compelled the women to participate in pornography, which was subsequently shared on social media platforms. Additionally, one defendant is accused of raping a woman twice in March 2022, according to the statement released by the prosecutors. The accused individuals also had their assets seized, including properties, cars, and over $300 million (£235 million) in cryptocurrency.
Moreover, separate investigations are underway regarding allegations of money laundering and trafficking in minors, which may lead to further indictments. Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer and British-American, gained notoriety when he was removed from the British television program Big Brother in 2016 after a video surfaced showing him allegedly assaulting a woman.
The controversial influencer continued to garner attention online, with Twitter temporarily banning him for making controversial remarks suggesting that women should bear some responsibility for being sexually assaulted. He has since been reinstated on the platform.
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