Andrew Tate's home raided amid new claims of trafficking minors
The new allegations come as the brothers await confirmation of when their Romanian trial will begin and as UK police also pursue a case against them.
Wednesday 21 August 2024 15:52, UK
Masked police have raided properties owned by Andrew Tate amid new allegations of trafficking minors and sex with a minor.
Romania's organised crime agency DIICOT said it was searching four homes in the counties of Bucharest and Ilfov.
The controversial influencer is currently awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.
He and his brother Tristan deny the charges and claim there's a conspiracy against them.
Police said the latest raids were looking into allegations of human trafficking, trafficking minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, money laundering and trying to influence witnesses.
Tate's spokesperson Mateea Petrescu said the brothers' legal team was present during the raids.
The Tates grew up in Luton and have millions of social media followers, with Andrew, 37, also appearing on Big Brother in 2016 and competing in kickboxing.
Self-described misogynists, their views have been widely criticised, particularly as they have a predominately young, male audience.
They were first detained in December 2022 in Bucharest, along with two Romanian women, and held in custody for three months before being moved to house arrest.
A number of luxury cars were among assets initially seized as part of the investigation.
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In April this year, it was ruled that prosecutors' case met the criteria for a trial - but a date has yet to be set.
A ruling allowing the Tates to leave Romania in the meantime, as long as they stayed in the EU, was overturned last month.
The brothers are also facing a civil case from four British women who say they were raped and assaulted.
There's also a separate criminal investigation by Bedfordshire Police relating to allegations of rape and human trafficking between 2012-2015.
A Romanian court said in March the Tates could be extradited - but only after the domestic legal proceedings are completed.
The brothers deny all the allegations.