Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Andrew Tate Indicted in Romania Over Minor Trafficking Charges
Romanian prosecutors have accused Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan of serious crimes.
The charges include trafficking minors, money laundering, sex with a minor and witness tampering.
Prosecutors say the brothers used promises of romance or marriage to recruit women and girls.
They allege the victims were then forced to make pornographic videos for a webcam business.
One alleged victim was 15 when Andrew Tate reportedly met her in Britain in 2012.
Prosecutors say she was later moved to Bucharest and abused.
They also say the brothers kept about $1.25 million from her videochat earnings.
The brothers say the accusations are false and their lawyer plans to challenge the case.
A court must examine the indictment before a trial can start.
Romanian prosecutors indicted Andrew Tate on charges including trafficking minors, money laundering, sex with a minor and witness tampering.
His brother Tristan Tate faces an allegation of complicity in the alleged abuse through physical aggression.
DIICOT alleges the brothers recruited women and girls through false romantic promises and coerced them into producing pornographic webcam content.
Prosecutors say the brothers retained about $1.25 million, or roughly 80 percent, of one alleged victim’s videochat earnings, and tried to launder it through four luxury cars.
The brothers deny wrongdoing, while a Romanian court must review the indictment before any trial can begin.
- Who
- Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate are accused by Romanian prosecutors; both brothers deny wrongdoing.
- What
- Andrew Tate was indicted on charges including trafficking minors, money laundering, sex with a minor and witness tampering, while Tristan faces an allegation of complicity.
- When
- The indictment was announced Friday, September 4; prosecutors also refer to alleged events beginning in 2012 and a previous case returned in late 2024.
- Where
- The alleged conduct involved Britain and Bucharest, Romania; the brothers are in United States custody while Britain’s extradition request is considered.
- Why
- DIICOT alleges that the brothers recruited and coerced women and girls into producing pornographic webcam material and attempted to launder proceeds.
Prosecutors’ allegations
Defense response
Recruitment and coercion
Prosecutors’ allegations
DIICOT alleges the brothers used false promises of romance or marriage to recruit women and girls, then coerced them into producing pornographic webcam material.
Defense response
The brothers reject all allegations of wrongdoing.
Alleged treatment of a minor
Prosecutors’ allegations
Prosecutors allege Andrew Tate seduced a 15-year-old in Britain in 2012, moved her to Bucharest and used physical violence and psychological intimidation to exploit her; they accuse Tristan Tate of assisting through physical aggression.
Defense response
The brothers’ lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, said the defense would scrutinize and challenge evidential, procedural and legal deficiencies.
Status of the indictment
Prosecutors’ allegations
Prosecutors have filed an indictment alleging trafficking-related crimes and money laundering involving four luxury cars.
Defense response
The indictment is not a finding of guilt, and a Romanian court must first determine whether the evidence and procedures comply with the law.
- Prosecuting authority
- Romania’s anti-organised crime unit, DIICOT
- Charges against Andrew Tate
- Trafficking minors, money laundering, sex with a minor and witness tampering
- Alleged proceeds
- About $1.25 million, representing roughly 80 percent of one alleged victim’s videochat earnings
- Alleged victim’s age
- 15 when Andrew Tate allegedly seduced her in Britain in 2012
- Alleged laundering method
- Prosecutors say four luxury cars were purchased
- Current legal status
- The brothers remain in United States custody while a judge considers Britain’s extradition request
- Next legal step
- A preliminary court chamber must review the indictment, evidence and procedures
