By Ezekiel David
New police raids were carried out at the Romanian home of Andrew Tate, who is awaiting trial for rape, human trafficking, and running a criminal organisation to exploit women.
Tate’s property and three other places in Bucharest and Ilfov were searched by masked officers who were looking into a number of charges, including money laundering, influencing statements, and people trafficking.
DIICOT, Romania’s anti-organised crime agency, confirmed that hearings will follow at its headquarters. Tate’s spokesperson, Mateea Petrescu, acknowledged the raid, noting suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering, but did not address allegations involving minors.
Andrew Tate, 37, and his brother Tristan, 36, both former kickboxers with large social media followings, were arrested in 2022 alongside two Romanian women.
Both were indicted last year and have denied all charges. Following their arrest, the Tates were held in police detention for three months before being placed under house arrest and later restricted to movement within Romania.
The Bucharest Tribunal decided in April that the Tates’ case qualified for trial under the law, though a date has not yet been scheduled. The brothers were only permitted to travel inside Romania after a court last month reversed an earlier ruling that had allowed them to leave the nation.
Tate, known for his misogynistic views, claims the charges are part of a political conspiracy. He faces additional extradition to the UK over allegations of sexual aggression, pending the conclusion of Romanian legal proceedings.
(Source: Independent)