Controversial social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate have been officially indicted in Romania on charges including human trafficking, trafficking minors, and money laundering, according to statements released by the country’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT.
Indictment Details and Allegations
According to DIICOT prosecutors, the case centers on allegations that the brothers recruited victims by falsely promising relationships or marriage before forcing them to produce sexually explicit content for a webcam business. Prosecutors detailed that one victim was 15 years old when Andrew Tate allegedly seduced her in Britain in 2012 before moving her to Bucharest. Investigators state she was subjected to physical violence and psychological intimidation to force the production of indecent images.
Tristan Tate is accused of acting as an accessory in the case, using physical aggression to coerce the victim. According to DIICOT, the brothers retained approximately 80 percent of the webcam income generated by the victim—totaling $1.25 million—and attempted to launder those funds by purchasing four luxury cars valued at £710,000.
Legal History and Current Status
The new filing follows an earlier indictment in Romania that was dismantled when an appeals court in Bucharest sent the case back to prosecutors in late 2024 after deeming certain evidence inadmissible. Eugen Constantin Vidineac, a Romanian lawyer representing the Tates, stated that the new indictment does not determine guilt.
“Today’s decision by DIICOT does not determine guilt and it should not be presented as though it does,” Vidineac said, adding that the legal defense team will examine every aspect of the filing to challenge any procedural or legal deficiencies.
The brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship and are former kickboxers, have consistently denied all wrongdoing. Their online personas have drawn millions of followers, primarily young men, through content that promotes male dominance and criticizes gender equality. The new indictment must now be examined by a preliminary chamber judge before any trial can proceed.
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