Romanian police widen probe into Andrew Tate
Romanian police are expanding their investigation into former kickboxer turned influencer Andrew Tate.
Police have seized a fleet of luxury cars from Tate’s Bucharest compound this weekend and have raided seven more properties – including a villa beneath the Carpathian Mountains.
Some people in Romania see the confiscation of his luxury cars as a sign that authorities are preparing for the next stage in this case, securing assets as collateral against potential compensation claims for victims, in the event that Andrew Tate or his brother Tristan are charged with people trafficking.
Raids on seven more properties last week were seen as a sign investigators are widening their search for evidence in the case.
Investigators need to discover how Andrew Tate has made his money – it’s a key part of the investigation.
Police want to know whether he lured women to Romania with promises of a serious relationship or marriage, before being forced or manipulated into working for him as models in adult entertainment chat rooms.
They are also investigating rape allegations made against Andrew Tate.
Investigators say six women had been identified as potential victims, but last week, two of the women in the investigation publically denied any mistreatment by the Tate brothers.
Police haven’t clarified what evidence they have gathered so far – and no charges have yet been brought. But Mihaela Dragus, spokeswoman for Romania’s National Anti-Trafficking Agency, says the case is already sending a strong message to both traffickers and victims.
This case puts the spotlight back on Romania and how the country handles allegations of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Police have less than two weeks to charge the Tate brothers, or find enough evidence to convince a judge to extend their detention.
