Andrew and Tristan Tate have asked a Florida court to release them from custody while they contest extradition to the UK, where they face a combined 59 criminal charges including allegations of rape, sex trafficking and offences involving indecent images of a child, all of which they deny.
The dual British-US citizens, arrested in Miami on July 19, argued that their international profile makes them unlikely to flee and pointed to their previous compliance with release conditions while facing proceedings in Britain and Romania.
US prosecutors and the British Embassy opposed bail, arguing the brothers have substantial resources and have previously boasted about possessing multiple passports. Andrew Tate told the court he had “never committed the crimes I’m accused of” and complained he was being treated “like El Chapo,” while Tristan described harsh conditions in custody and said detention was hampering his ability to assist his defence.
British authorities have until September 16 to submit their full extradition request, while US Magistrate Judge Lauren Louis is expected to issue a written decision on bail at a later date.
