BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: Former professional kickboxer and internet personality Andrew Tate, along with his brother Tristan Tate has been indicted on charges of rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal group in Romania. According to multiple news sources, the charges have been also framed against two female Romanian associates.

Romania's Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) alleges that the group formed a criminal organization in 2021 "In order to commit the crime of human trafficking on the territory of Romania, but also in other countries, such as the United States of America and Great Britain," as reported by People.

'Forced labor'

The indictment accuses the defendants of deceiving their victims with promises of love and marriage, only to transport them to buildings in Ilfov County, where they were coerced into performing pornographic acts through physical violence and mental manipulation. These videos/photographs were later shared on social media platforms, Washington Post reported citing the DIIOCT press release. Moreover, the seven persons who were identified during the investigation had been subjected to "forced labor."

Luxury cars, watches, and $300 million worth of cryptocurrency requested for confiscation

Tate's assets, including luxury cars, watches, and cryptocurrency, have been requested for confiscation, with the indictment citing his alleged involvement in the crimes. The statement from DIICOT, as reported by BBC, reveals the intention to seize these assets, which are valued at approximately $300 million in cryptocurrency. In response to the charges, Tate's legal team issued a statement, saying, "While this news is undoubtedly predictable, we embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence and vindicate their reputation." They further stated, "Our primary focus will be to establish the truth and ensure a fair and impartial examination of the evidence the legal team will submit."

The investigation into the Tate brothers began after a complaint was made to the US Embassy in Bucharest regarding the alleged forcible confinement of an American woman at their residence. Reports citing the press release noted that several young women were found near the Bucharest villa, leading to the identification of seven victims who were recruited through false promises. Andrew Tate, known for his controversial and misogynistic views, rose to fame as a contestant on the reality TV show Big Brother (UK). He has faced previous controversies and social media bans due to his statements. Despite these setbacks, he gained popularity by promoting a hyper-masculine and luxurious lifestyle. The trial is expected to last several years, with a Romanian judge having 60 days to review the case files before proceeding, as per BBC. Additional charges, including money laundering and trafficking of minors, are still under investigation. Romanian authorities have already seized millions of dollars in assets belonging to the Tate brothers.