Romanian prosecutors have indicted Andrew and Tristan Tate in absentia on charges involving human trafficking, alleged sexual offences against minors, money laundering and witness interference, as the brothers remain in US custody contesting a separate British extradition request.
Romania’s Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) said Andrew Tate faces charges including human trafficking, sexual activity with a minor, money laundering and influencing witnesses, while Tristan is accused of assisting him. Prosecutors allege Andrew recruited a 15-year-old girl in Britain in 2012 by presenting their relationship as romantic before taking her to Romania, where she was allegedly coerced into producing pornographic webcam material through threats, emotional pressure and violence.
Tristan is accused of handling proceeds from the alleged operation, said to total about $1.25 million, while authorities are seeking the confiscation of four luxury vehicles allegedly purchased with the money. Andrew is also separately accused of sexual activity with another 15-year-old girl.
The case has been sent to the Bucharest Tribunal for preliminary proceedings, with the brothers’ Romanian lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, saying the defence intends to challenge the indictment. The Tates, who deny wrongdoing, are also facing proceedings in Britain involving seven alleged victims and a combined 59 charges, including rape, sexual assault and trafficking-related offences. They were arrested in Florida in July following a British extradition request, which their US lawyer Joseph McBride has said they will vigorously oppose, describing the British prosecution as politically motivated.
Romanian prosecutors have indicted Andrew Tate on suspicion of trafficking minors, money laundering, sex with a minor and witness tampering and his brother Tristan on suspicion of complicity.
The Tate brothers are social media influencers and former kickboxers with dual… pic.twitter.com/Wl4pfGBjap
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) September 4, 2026
