Andrew Tate charged with rape and human trafficking

The News

Andrew Tate — the British-American influencer known for his misogynistic, violent commentary — has been formally charged with rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal group to sexually exploit women, weeks after he was first detained in Romania.

His brother, Tristan Tate, and two other Romanian nationals were also charged in the case. All four suspects have denied allegations against them.

The rape allegations against Tate is specific to one of the survivors, according to Romania's organized crime investigation unit.

The charges follow reports that Romanian investigators had expanded their probe to include the more serious crime of human trafficking in continued form, with an additional victim coming forward with accusations against the Tate brothers.

The trial will not begin immediately and a judge has to ensure the legality of the charges, per Romanian law.

It will likely take years for a trial to conclude, CNN reported.

Step Back

Tate has been under investigation for human trafficking since at least April 2022 when Romanian authorities raided his home and detained him for a few hours before releasing him.

DIICOT, the Romanian agency investigating the case, alleges Tate and the other defendants used a “loverboy method” to lure women to the county with the promise of a relationship, only to then exploit the women into making pornographic material.

The group was subsequently detained for 30 days in December, though not formally charged. The presiding judge extended their detention three times while prosecutors continued their investigation, with the suspects losing their appeal each time.

However, a Bucharest court in March ruled in favor of their appeal to be transferred from jail to house arrest. Romanian law stipulates that suspects in a crime can be detained for a period of no more than 180 days before charges must be filed.

The 36-year-old former kickboxer had been previously banned from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for his misogynistic, anti-gay, and violent comments, including telling his followers how to hit women, blaming sexual assault survivors for their abuse, and saying that women "belong at home."

He became a prominent figure among American right-wing circles after his appearances on Infowars and links to far-right figures.

Before his arrest, Tate was in Romania running a seminar-like camp for men which he promoted as a way to boost masculinity and personal wealth.