Andrew Tate Indicted in Romania on Minor Trafficking, Money Laundering Charges

Romanian prosecutors have indicted Andrew Tate on charges including trafficking minors, sex with a minor, money laundering, and witness tampering in a case alleging he and his brother kept about $1.25 million generated through the sexual exploitation of a girl recruited when she was 15.

Tate’s brother, Tristan Tate, was also indicted as an alleged accomplice. Both men are currently jailed in Miami while fighting a separate British extradition request on sex crime charges.

Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, alleges Andrew Tate recruited the 15-year-old in Luton, England, in 2012 by misleading her about his romantic intentions. Prosecutors say she was later repeatedly taken to Romania and subjected to physical violence and intimidation to force her to produce pornographic material and perform webcam work.

Authorities allege the brothers kept about 80% of the money generated by the victim’s webcam activity, totaling roughly $1.25 million.

Tristan Tate allegedly knew the girl’s age and helped facilitate the exploitation by deceiving her about his brother’s intentions. Prosecutors also accuse him of using physical aggression against her and helping manage money connected to the webcam operation.

Andrew Tate separately faces allegations that he repeatedly had sexual contact with another girl who was 15 between late 2020 and mid-2021.

Prosecutors also accuse the brothers of attempting to influence victims and witnesses by offering money, mobile phones and legal assistance in exchange for not giving statements or providing false information.

The indictment includes additional money laundering allegations. DIICOT claims the brothers tried to conceal the source of trafficking proceeds by purchasing four luxury vehicles through other people between December 2023 and July 2024. Prosecutors value the cars at about 825,000 euros and are seeking their confiscation.

The charges will not immediately result in a trial. The indictment has been sent to the Bucharest Tribunal, where it must first undergo a preliminary review to determine whether the case and evidence comply with Romanian law.

The brothers could ultimately be tried in Romania even if they remain outside the country. Romanian law allows trials in absentia under some circumstances, although prosecutors have not said whether they will seek to have the Tates extradited from the United States.

The procedural review carries added significance because an earlier Romanian prosecution against the brothers failed to reach trial.

Andrew and Tristan Tate were indicted in 2023 on charges including human trafficking, rape and forming an organized criminal group to sexually exploit women. In December 2024, the Bucharest Court of Appeal sent that case back to prosecutors after finding problems with the indictment and ruling that some evidence could not be used.

The brothers have denied wrongdoing. Eugen Vidineac, a Romanian lawyer representing them, said the defense will examine the latest indictment and challenge any evidentiary, procedural or legal defects it identifies.

The Romanian proceedings add to separate criminal cases the brothers are fighting in Britain.

Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, were arrested in Miami in July after British authorities requested their extradition. They remain in U.S. custody while a federal court considers that request and have denied the British allegations.

The Bucharest Tribunal will now review the Romanian indictment before deciding whether the case can move toward trial.