Controversial internet personality Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, have departed Romania for the United States after authorities lifted their long-standing travel restrictions. The brothers, who face serious criminal charges, took off from Bucharest’s Băneasa Airport early Thursday morning, bound for Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Legal Troubles and Travel Approval
The Tate brothers, arrested in 2022, are awaiting trial in Romania on charges including human trafficking, rape, sex with a minor, and money laundering. Prosecutors from Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, Diicot, approved their travel request while keeping them under judicial supervision. The agency stated that they must appear before authorities whenever summoned, warning that any violations could lead to stricter legal consequences.
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Local media reports indicate the brothers are expected to return to Romania in March for a judicial hearing. They are also subject to an extradition request from the United Kingdom regarding sexual assault allegations dating back to 2012. However, Romanian courts have ruled that domestic legal proceedings must conclude first.
Political Support and Controversy
The Tates’ legal troubles have drawn attention from high-profile figures in the U.S. political sphere. Former President Donald Trump’s inner circle, including his son Donald Trump Jr., has publicly criticized their legal treatment. Elon Musk also commented on social media in response to a suggestion from Andrew Tate about running for UK Prime Minister, saying, “He’s not wrong.”
Additionally, one of Tate’s attorneys, Paul Ingrassia, currently serves as a White House liaison for the U.S. Department of Justice. He has labeled the charges against the brothers as baseless, claiming they are victims of a politically motivated attack.
Reaction from Accusers and Authorities
The decision to allow the Tates to travel has been met with backlash, particularly from alleged victims. Four British women who have accused Andrew Tate of sexual assault said they felt “retraumatized” upon learning of his departure from Romania. They expressed concerns that Tate would use his freedom to intimidate witnesses and continue spreading misogynistic rhetoric.
Their lawyer, Matthew Jury, called the situation deeply distressing, particularly given the U.S. government’s perceived support for Tate. He criticized the influence of American officials in the case, arguing that justice should not be subject to political pressure.
Romania Denies U.S. Pressure
Despite speculation that the U.S. government may have pushed for the Tates’ travel restrictions to be eased, Romanian officials have denied any undue influence. Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu acknowledged that Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, inquired about the case at the Munich Security Conference. However, he emphasized that there was no pressure or official request from the U.S. to alter the brothers’ legal status.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also reaffirmed Romania’s independence in handling the case, stating that no foreign government had intervened to influence judicial decisions.
The Charges Against the Tate Brothers
The Romanian investigation alleges that Andrew and Tristan Tate ran a criminal network exploiting women for profit through coercion and manipulation. Authorities claim the brothers used the “loverboy” method—where victims are lured into false romantic relationships—to pressure women into producing pornographic content. Prosecutors estimate that their operation generated nearly $3 million in revenue.
Diicot’s second case against the Tates, launched in August 2024, includes additional accusations of sex trafficking, money laundering, and sexual exploitation of minors. Prosecutors allege that one of the defendants engaged in repeated sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl and forced a 17-year-old to create pornography across Romania and the UK.
Future Uncertain
As Andrew and Tristan Tate arrive in the U.S., questions remain about their legal future. While they are expected to return to Romania for their next court appearance, their departure raises concerns about potential delays in their trial. Meanwhile, their continued influence on social media—where Andrew Tate has amassed millions of followers despite multiple platform bans—remains a subject of heated debate.
For now, the Tate brothers are free to travel, but their legal battles are far from over.
