Andrew and Tristan Tate Leave Romania During Continuing Legal Matters
Influencer siblings charged with human trafficking granted permission to travel to the United States under judicial oversight.
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, both internet figures facing serious criminal charges in Romania, have been granted permission to leave the country and arrived in the United States.
The siblings, who hold dual British and U.S. citizenship, were detained in late 2022 on accusations including human trafficking, rape, and forming an organized crime group.
They have persistently denied all allegations. Romanian prosecutors have granted the Tates' request for international travel, lifting prior travel bans.
Despite this clearance, the brothers are still under judicial oversight and must report to authorities when called upon.
They are expected to return to Romania for a court hearing in March. Upon their arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Andrew Tate spoke to the press, highlighting their absence of criminal convictions and criticizing media representations.
He stated, "We have never been convicted of any crimes in our entire lives. We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet ever." The decision to allow their travel comes after reports of diplomatic conversations between U.S. and Romanian officials.
High-ranking U.S. figures, including Richard Grenell, have reportedly supported easing the restrictions on the Tates.
However, Romanian authorities maintain that their judicial system operates independently, making decisions based strictly on law and due process. In addition to the ongoing Romanian investigation, the Tates encounter legal difficulties elsewhere.
Authorities in the U.K. have submitted extradition requests concerning allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012. In the U.S., a civil lawsuit in Florida accuses the brothers of defamation and human trafficking, following allegations that they brought a woman to Romania for exploitation.
Although travel restrictions have been lifted, the criminal prosecution in Romania remains underway.
The Tates' assets, which were previously frozen, have been partially reinstated, though some continue to be seized pending the resolution of legal matters.
Alleged victims have voiced concerns about the decision to permit the brothers to travel, fearing it might hinder the pursuit of justice. Florida officials have launched an inquiry into the Tates' activities, reaffirming their dedication to tackling human trafficking and violence against women.
The situation continues to evolve as legal proceedings unfold across various jurisdictions.