BUCHAREST: A Romanian court ruled on Friday that Andrew Tate, a prominent internet figure, can travel freely within the European Union while awaiting trial for human trafficking charges, according to his lawyer.
Tate, along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian women, faces accusations including human trafficking, rape, and organizing a criminal group for sexual exploitation, all of which they deny. Initially restricted from leaving Romania pending trial, the court’s latest ruling now permits Tate to travel across EU borders.
In response to the decision, Tate humorously mentioned potential destinations like Italy, Cannes, and Paris in a video posted on X, a social media platform.
Both Tate brothers, former kickboxers with US and British citizenship, are central figures in what has become a high-profile case in Romania’s efforts against organized crime, overseen by the DIICOT unit.
During the investigation, which began in late 2022, the brothers were first detained by police and later placed under house arrest until a judicial decision in August eased their restrictions.
Despite the charges, their defense lawyer Eugen Vidineac emphasized their determination to clear their names and expressed gratitude for the court’s decision to lift the travel ban within the EU.
According to Romanian prosecutors, the Tate brothers allegedly used deceptive tactics to recruit victims, promising relationships or marriage, only to exploit them through coercion, physical violence, and mental abuse. This purportedly involved forcing victims into producing pornographic material for social media, resulting in substantial financial gain.
Andrew Tate, known for promoting an overtly masculine lifestyle that critics argue disparages women, has amassed a sizable following despite controversy surrounding his views and legal troubles.