Influencer siblings Andrew and Tristan Tate returned to Romania early on Saturday after spending several weeks in the United States. They are facing serious allegations, including human trafficking and organising a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. These dual U.S. and British citizens were arrested in Romania in late 2022 and indicted the following year, with Andrew also facing charges of rape. Both brothers emphatically deny the accusations.
Their private jet, reportedly costing almost $295,000, landed at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport just before 1am local time. Upon arrival at their residence near Bucharest, Andrew Tate conveyed to the press their intent to confront the charges in court, stating, “innocent men don’t run from anything.” He expressed their belief in their innocence and lamented the negative consequences they have faced, claiming they should never have been incarcerated or had their assets seized.
Their return followed the lifting of a travel ban about a month ago, enabling them to fly to the US where they landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite their release from the ban, they remain under judicial oversight in Romania, requiring them to report to authorities when summoned. Eugen Vidineac, their Romanian lawyer, indicated that the brothers must check in with a surveillance officer this coming Monday.
Adding to the brothers’ complications, just days after arriving in the US, a criminal investigation was initiated by Florida’s Attorney General against them. In a post, Andrew Tate indicated his innocence and claimed that actions against him were politically motivated.
In December, a Bucharest court ruled that the initial case against the Tates could not proceed to trial due to prosecutorial irregularities; nevertheless, the case remains open. Tristan Tate commented on the extensive investigations they faced, emphasising that a judge had previously stated there was insufficient evidence for the case to reach trial.
In addition to ongoing issues in Romania, the Tates are also dealing with legal challenges in the UK. Four women have sued Andrew Tate for alleged sexual violence and abuse following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to pursue charges. Moreover, in March of last year, the brothers faced an extradition request from UK authorities related to allegations of sexual aggression from 2012 to 2015. The appeals court conditionally approved the UK’s request, contingent on the resolution of their Romanian legal matters.
Andrew, a former kickboxer and controversial figure with over 10 million followers on social media, continues to assert that the Romanian authorities lack credible evidence and insinuates a wider political agenda aimed at silencing him. He remains optimistic about restoring faith in Romania’s judicial system, vowing to prove their innocence in court.