Romanian police raid influencer Andrew Tate’s home in human trafficking probe

Internet personality Andrew Tate‘s home near Bucharest was raided by law enforcement on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said, as Romanian police announced four searches in an investigation into crimes including human trafficking and sex with a minor.

A self-described misogynist, social media influencer Tate has gained millions of fans by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that critics say denigrates women.

He was already 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, allegations they denied.

Romania’s anti-organized crime prosecuting unit DIICOT said on Wednesday it had conducted four home searches within Ilfov county and the Bucharest municipality.

It said the investigation concerned “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 said around a dozen masked officers had entered Tate’s property.

Tate’s representatives confirmed that DIICOT officers had raided the Tate brothers’ home.

“Although the allegations in the search warrant are not yet fully clarified, they include suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering,” Tate’s representatives said in a statement.

“The brothers’ legal team is present to ensure that all formalities are carried out correctly.”

In July, a Romanian court of appeal overturned a previous ruling that allowed Tate free movement within the European Union while awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking.