The controversial influencers, accused of sex crimes, reportedly flew to the United States with permission from Romanian authorities.
Andrew and Tristan Tate, brothers facing serious allegations including human trafficking and sexual assault, departed Romania early on February 27, 2024, and are believed to have flown to the United States via private jet, according to sources in Bucharest.
The Tates, who have garnered notoriety for their misogynistic remarks and social media presence, have denied all charges against them.
Previously released but prohibited from leaving Romania, the Tates have attracted significant media attention since their arrest in December 2022. Romanian authorities charge them with severe criminal offenses, including the establishment of an organized crime group for sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and rape, with additional allegations of child abuse and sexual exploitation added in August 2024.
Despite the charges, Romanian prosecutors granted the brothers permission to travel to the United States for unspecified reasons.
Romanian DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism) stated that the Tates remain under judicial supervision and must return for hearings despite their departure from the country.
Prior to their departure, Romanian Prime Minister Ion-Marcel Colacu and Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu asserted there was no pressure from the United States on Romanian authorities regarding the Tates’ legal situation, amidst reports of Washington’s interest in the case.
Andrew Tate, 38, previously a professional kickboxer and a participant in British reality television, gained popularity in the 2020s for promoting controversial views on male dominance over women.
His comments have elicited widespread criticism, and he has faced multiple bans on social media platforms for violating guidelines, culminating in a permanent ban from
Facebook and Instagram in August 2022.
The brothers hold dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom and have voiced support for figures like
Donald Trump in the past.
They have ongoing investigations against them not only in Romania but also in the United Kingdom, where they face charges related to sexual assault and tax evasion.
A Bucharest court has approved their extradition to the UK, although this will occur only after legal proceedings in Romania are completed.