Police launch raid on Andrew & Tristan Tate’s compound in Romania in new probe into ‘trafficking of minors’
COPS conducted a fresh raid at Andrew Tate’s home in Romania as they launch a probe into new allegations of human trafficking and money laundering.
Dramatic pictures showed masked cops at the scene of the search as police investigate accusations surrounding the trafficking of minors and sexual intercourse with a minor.
The disgraced brothers were first arrested in 2022 and charged with human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime group to sexually exploit women.
This morning’s search at four homes including theirs, near Bucharest, follows the fresh complaints against the brothers.
Prosecutors from DIICOT – Romania’s organised crime busters – are looking into allegations of human trafficking, the trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements and money laundering.
A spokesman for Andrew Tate told The Sun: “DIICOT conducted a raid this morning, on August 21, 2024, at the residence of the Tate brothers as part of a search related to a new investigation.
“Although the charges in the search warrant are not yet fully clarified, they include suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering.
“Their legal team is present to ensure that all formalities are carried out correctly. Additional information will be provided throughout the day.”
The spokesperson did not address the allegations concerning minors.
Andrew, 37, and Tristan, 35, were arrested in December 2022, but formally indicted in June last year.
Both brothers deny all the charges against them.
They are alleged to have pretended to fall in love with the women before getting them to work for their business and making them perform sexual acts on webcams.
With Andrew as the face, the brothers – originally from Luton – run a warped online empire from their compound on the outskirts of Bucharest.
They have gained millions of fans by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that critics say denigrates women.
Two Romanian female suspects – model Georgiana Naghel and former cop Luana Radu – were also formally charged in the case.
They also face extradition to the UK once their court proceedings in Romania wrap up.
The controversial brothers have been accused of 10 allegations of rape and sexual assault from three alleged victims in the UK.
In Romania, Andrew and Tristan are accused of recruiting women on social media platforms and luring them to their villa on the outskirts of Bucharest.
Andrew has repeatedly claimed that prosecutors in Romania have no evidence against him and that there is a political conspiracy to silence him.
He believes he is the victim of something called The Matrix.
The self-described misogynist has gained millions of fans by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that critics say denigrates women.
He once said women should “bear some responsibility” for being raped not long after allegations were made against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
TATE ARREST TIMELINE
ANDREW and Tristan Tate were arrested in December 2022 and charged with human trafficking, rape, and forming an organised crime group to sexually exploit women.
Here is a timeline of everything that’s happened since they were nicked:
DECEMBER 29, 2022: The brothers are detained in Romania for 30 days, along with two women, on suspicion of human trafficking, rape, and forming an organised crime group.
JANUARY 3, 2023: Romanian authorities seize Andrew’s luxury car collection.
JAN 8, 2023: A cryptic tweet is posted to Andrew Tate’s account which reads: “The Matrix has attacked me. But they misunderstand, you cannot kill an idea. Hard to Kill.”
JAN 10, 2023: Andrew appears in court in Bucharest to appeal his detention but the judge rules against him.
MARCH 31, 2023: The Bucharest Court of Appeal rules against a judge’s decision to extend Andrew’s incarceration for a fourth time; Andrew is placed on house arrest.
JUNE 20, 2023: The brothers are formally charged with human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.
JULY 13, 2023: The Tates launch a $5million lawsuit against a Florida woman who they say falsely accused them of imprisoning her in Romania – which led to their arrest there on human trafficking charges.
AUGUST 4, 2023: Andrew wins an appeal to be released from house arrest in Romania as he awaits trial on charges of human trafficking.
DECEMBER 11, 2023: A judge denies the Tate brothers’ appeals to have £10million worth of assets returned to them.
JANUARY 8, 2024: The Bucharest Court of Appeal overturns the decision; the brothers are to have their assets returned to them.
MARCH 12, 2024: Both brothers are arrested in Romania over allegations of sexual aggression in the UK that date back to 2012 and 2015. They deny the allegations.
MARCH 22, 2024: The brothers lost their appeal to get back £10million worth of assets seized by cops.
APRIL 26, 2024: A Romanian court rules that Andrew and Tristan will face trail over ongoing probe into rape and human trafficking.
JULY 5, 2024: Courts rule that Andrew and Tristan can leave Romania – but must stay in the EU