Romanian police have searched the homes of controversial influencer Andrew Tate as a part of an investigation into new allegations towards him.
He and his brother Tristan have been taken from their residence in Bucharest to the workplaces of Romania’s company towards organised crime, DIICOT, the place they may now be questioned.
The web persona was already awaiting trial for rape and human trafficking, however may probably now face extra fees of intercourse with, and trafficking in, underage individuals, in addition to money-laundering and making an attempt to affect witnesses, prosecutors say.
Andrew and Tristan Tate, who’ve an enormous following on social media, have denied all earlier fees towards them.
They had been first detained in Romania in December 2022, then launched from home arrest in August 2023.
Based on an announcement from DIICOT, the particular prosecution service of the Romanian Organised Crime Directorate, 4 homes had been searched on Wednesday morning within the capital, Bucharest, and in Ilfov county.
The BBC understands that this investigation pertains to Andrew Tate and that these investigations have been happening for a while.
The brothers had been pushed to the DIICOT constructing in police vans, met by a small crowd of reporters and supporters.
Neither man was in handcuffs, however every was escorted by closely armed cops.
As Andrew Tate entered the constructing he greeted an area blogger who requested why he was again at DIICOT. Grinning, Tate replied that he “didn’t know”, earlier than shouting by means of the closing door that he was in his “favorite place”.
Two cops, who each had their faces lined by balaclavas, had been seen carrying heavy sacks into the identical constructing – presumably with gadgets taken throughout a search of the brothers’ residence and different properties.
Requested to touch upon the most recent developments, their lawyer – Eugen Vidineac – mentioned the most recent allegations weren’t but clear, as he hadn’t but seen the file.
He mentioned he didn’t but know “what we’re coping with”.
Officers at DIICOT have 24 hours to query the brothers. After that, in the event that they wish to remand them in custody, they must carry them earlier than a decide.
The lawyer mentioned he didn’t count on the brothers to be detained as a result of their actions are already restricted as they await trial for different fees, together with forming and organised crime group and human trafficking.
In an obvious response to the raid, Andrew Tate posted on X (previously Twitter): “The Matrix is actual. They usually have a tried and true playbook.
“Slander is their primary software and the method is the punishment. However sadly for them, Good all the time wins in the long run.”
Andrew Tate is a self-described misogynist and was beforehand banned from social media platforms for expressing misogynistic views.
He has repeatedly claimed Romanian prosecutors don’t have any proof towards him and there’s a conspiracy to silence him.
The Tate brothers, former kickboxers who’re twin UK-US nationals, are accused of exploiting girls through an grownup content material enterprise, which prosecutors allege operated as a prison group.
Two feminine Romanian associates had been additionally named alongside the brothers in an indictment printed in June final 12 months, and 7 alleged victims had been recognized.
The web personalities are additionally needed within the UK in reference to separate and unrelated sexual offences allegedly dedicated there.