Romanian prosecutors have officially indicted controversial internet personality Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate on serious new criminal charges including the trafficking of minors, money laundering, sex with a minor and witness tampering.
The formal indictment comes as the brothers remain in custody in the United States following their arrest in Miami, where they are currently contesting an extradition request from the United Kingdom.
DIICOT formally files indictment following investigation
The action was announced by Romania’s anti-organized crime prosecution unit, DIICOT, following a years-long investigation into the brother’s activities in Bucharest.
Prosecutors accuse Andrew Tate of leading the operations and recruiting victims through seduction – often called the “Loverboy method” – before forcing them to produce pornographic content for financial gain.
Tristan Tate has been indicted for complicity in these alleged offenses.
Brother deny allegations amid US custody
Legal representatives for the Tate brothers have firmly rejected all the allegations asserting that their clients maintain total innocence.
Defence attorney Eugen Vidineac stated that the legal team will thoroughly examine the official indictment to challenge any evidentiary or procedural deficiencies through the proper judicial channels.
Next legal steps and potential trial
The case now moves to a preliminary court chamber in Romania, where a judge will review the legality of the files before trial proceedings can begin.
Because the brothers are detained in the US awaiting decisions on their UK extradition, Romanian law allows the possibility of trials proceedings in absentia.
DIICOT has not yet confirmed whether it will seek extradition directly from American authorities.
