Social influencer Andrew Tate will end up in court in Romania, where he is accused of human trafficking and rape.
Social influencer Andrew Tatehis brother Tristan and two women are accused of human trafficking, rape and forming an organized crime group in Romania.
According to the indictment filed in Bucharest, the four formed an organized criminal group in 2021 to engage in human trafficking not only in Romania, but also in the United States and Great Britain.
The indictment names seven alleged victims who were recruited into the defendants’ Webcam business with promises of relationships and marriages.
In the webcam business, female persons often present themselves to paying viewers via web cam in a sexually tinged or direct sexual manner.
The accusations do not immediately lead to a trial, but it can take several years for it to start. In addition, the Romanian judge must review the indictment documents within 60 days of registration before it can be forwarded.
Andrew Tate’s representative commented that the charges and a possible trial are “welcome”, because through them it is possible to present the innocence of the accused and clear their reputation.
Tate is a former kickboxer who has now made a career as a social media influencer and self-help coach selling “strong masculinity”. Tate has been in public with his speeches demeaning women and glorifying violence.
Tate and the other defendants were remanded in custody in Romania in late 2022. They were released from pretrial custody to house arrest in May 2023.
Sources: AFP, Reuters