By BUCHAREST, Romania — Romanian law enforcement raided the home of controversial internet personality Andrew Tate near Bucharest on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into human trafficking and sexual exploitation, a Reuters witness reported.
The raid is part of a broader operation by Romania’s anti-organized crime prosecuting unit DIICOT, which conducted four home searches in Ilfov county and the Bucharest municipality. DIICOT said in a statement that the investigation concerns “a criminal case regarding the commission of the crimes of setting up an organized criminal group, trafficking of minors, human trafficking, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements and money laundering.”
A Reuters photographer at the scene observed about a dozen masked law enforcement officers entering Tate’s property before escorting him to a car. Tate, who was not handcuffed, told reporters, “Anything to put me in jail except to give me a trial. No trial, no judge, this country is crazy,” as he was led away.
Tate, a self-described misogynist and social media influencer with millions of followers, was indicted in mid-2023 along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian female suspects for human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. All four have denied the allegations.
The Tate brothers’ legal team confirmed the raid and stated they would “ensure all formalities are carried out correctly.”
This latest development follows a July 2023 decision by a Romanian appeals court that overturned a previous ruling allowing Tate free movement within the European Union while awaiting trial.
Tate’s rise to internet fame has been marked by controversy due to his promotion of an ultra-masculine lifestyle that critics say denigrates women. His content has been banned from several major social media platforms, though he maintains a significant online following.
The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings against Tate have drawn international attention, highlighting issues of human trafficking and the influence of social media personalities. Romanian authorities continue to build their case, with this latest raid potentially yielding new evidence in the high-profile investigation.
