Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who have millions of followers online, arrived in the United States on Thursday, February 27, after authorities lifted the travel restrictions against them. The brothers, who hold U.S. and British citizenship, were arrested in late 2022 and charged with being part of a criminal gang that lured women to Romania for sexual exploitation, with Andrew Tate also accused of rape.
Following their arrest in 2022, the Tate brothers were detained for three months before being placed under house arrest. Although the case against them remained open, they are also facing another ongoing investigation in Romania. Romania's anti-organized crime agency, known as DIICOT, stated that prosecutors approved a request to modify the travel restrictions on the Tates, although it was not revealed who made the request. The brothers must present themselves to judicial authorities when required.
Andrew Tate was placed back under house arrest last year related to a second case in Romania, but that measure was lifted in January. The legal battles of the Tate brothers extend beyond Romania, as four British women have sued them for sexual assault and physical abuse in the UK, after being accused of tax evasion and having assets seized.
The lawyer representing the women described the decision to lift the travel ban as "disgusting and discouraging." Despite the brothers appearing before the Bucharest Court of Appeals in a separate case following sexual assault allegations by UK authorities, the extradition request was admitted after concluding legal proceedings in Romania.
The previously frozen bank accounts of the Tate brothers have been reactivated, marking an important step toward justice according to official sources. Andrew Tate has repeatedly claimed that Romanian authorities lack evidence against him, alleging a political conspiracy against him. Despite the accusations, both brothers deny the charges against them.
The departure of the Tates to the United States came after a court ruled in favor of lifting the seizure of multiple assets and after the Romanian foreign minister mentioned the interests of officials from the previous government in the case. The Tate brothers have expressed confidence in their innocence and have voiced their support for Donald Trump.
