Social Media Influencer Andrew Tate and Three Others Charged with Rape, Human Trafficking, and Forming Criminal Gang to Exploit Women

Romanian authorities have charged social media influencer Andrew Tate with rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.

The Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) has accused Tate and three other defendants of forming an organized crime group to carry out human trafficking in Romania, the U.K. and the U.S. The four accused, including two Romanian women, were detained by Romanian police in December 2022.

Tate, his brother Tristan and two other suspects have been under house arrest since March, following a police investigation that led to their arrest in December. The Tate brothers were not explicitly named by authorities Tuesday but a spokesperson for the brothers confirmed their involvement.

According to DIICOT, the group allegedly recruited seven victims, including minors, and forced them into prostitution. The victims were reportedly promised money and a better life in exchange for their services.

The trial is expected to begin in the coming months. If found guilty, the four defendants could face up to 20 years in prison.