Controversial online influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, were detained Monday night in Romania over allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012-2015.
The Tate brothers were arrested by Romanian authorities for 24 hours after arrest warrants were issued by the UK. The Bucharest Court of Appeal is expected to decide whether to extradite them to Britain to face trial.
“On March 11 this year, at around 11:15 pm, the police officers of the Criminal Investigation Service, the Special Actions Service and police officers from the Volunteers implemented two European arrest warrants, issued by the judicial authorities in Great Britain, for committing sexual crimes, exploiting some people on the territory of Great Britain,” Romanian police said.
A spokesperson for the brothers said the pair “categorically reject” all the allegations leveled against them.
Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, were detained in Romania after European arrest warrants were issued by the UK
Image credits: Alex Nicodim / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
“This bewildering revival of decade-old accusations has left the Tate brothers dismayed and deeply troubled. They categorically reject all charges and express profound disappointment that such serious allegations are being resurrected without substantial new evidence,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“Andrew and Tristan Tate unequivocally deny all allegations and decry what they perceive as an exploitative use of the legal system. They are fully committed to challenging these accusations with unwavering determination and resolve. The brothers emphasise their belief in a fair and impartial legal process, despite the unsettling circumstances surrounding their case,” added the statement.
They were arrested over allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012-2015
A separate investigation is underway in Romania over separate allegations against Andrew and Tristan of rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal gang. The brothers also deny these allegations against them.
After the Tate brothers were detained on Monday in Romania, a lawyer representing the four women who accused Andrew of rape and sexual assault released a statement, which said they received a tip last week about Andrew planning to flee Romania.
“Today's news is very welcome as it has been a significant concern to many that Tate would seek to avoid justice in Romania and abroad,” Matthew Jury, a managing partner at the law firm representing the women, said about the news of Andrew being detained.
An attorney for Andrew's accusers said they received information last week about Andrew possibly fleeing Romania
"We are grateful to British authorities for taking our concerns seriously and issuing an arrest warrant. Since his arrest in Romania, Tate has spread a vast amount of disinformation about the criminal allegations he faces in the UK,” Matthew said.
"Allowing Tate to spread disinformation about the allegations of criminality he faces, not just in the UK, only helps to support and spread his toxic influence further amongst vulnerable young men and boys, something we should all be seeking to put an end to," his statement added.