Florida authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into British-American influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who arrived in the state last week from Romania, where they are facing serious allegations of rape and human trafficking.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that investigators have begun issuing search warrants and subpoenas in connection with a “now-active” inquiry.
In the United States, the brothers are confronting a civil lawsuit filed by a woman who claims they forced her into sex work and subsequently defamed her after she provided testimony to Romanian authorities. The individuals in question have categorically refuted all allegations leveled against them.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer known for his controversial views on women, gained notoriety as a contestant on the UK reality series Big Brother. He has since amassed a significant online following, numbering in the millions.
Andrew, 38, and his brother Tristan, 36, are currently facing distinct charges in the UK, including allegations of rape and human trafficking. They have categorically denied the allegations as well.
Uthmeier, a Republican Party member, released a statement on Tuesday: “Last week, I instructed my office to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to initiate a preliminary inquiry into Andrew and Tristan Tate.”
“Following a comprehensive examination of the evidence, I have instructed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to carry out search warrants and issue subpoenas as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the Tate brothers.”
On Tuesday, attorney Joseph McBride, representing the Tate brothers, stated the ongoing investigation.
“Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier made headlines by publicly taking a stance in an ongoing Florida lawsuit involving Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are suing a Florida woman. The lawsuit alleges that she orchestrated a complex scheme to use sex as a weapon to damage their lives,” the statement noted in part.
Mr. McBride characterized the remarks made by the attorney general as “inflammatory” and “biassed.”
In December 2022, authorities in Romania arrested the Tates, with Andrew facing allegations of rape and human trafficking, while Tristan is suspected of involvement in human trafficking activities. Several years ago, they relocated from the UK to Romania.
Both individuals have refuted the allegations and have been placed under house arrest for several months. In August 2024, a year later, new allegations emerged against them, including accusations of engaging in sexual activities with a minor and trafficking underage individuals, all of which they categorically deny.
Sources indicate that the Tates are expected to return to Bucharest by the end of March to meet the conditions set by prosecutors. However, it remains uncertain whether they will adhere to this requirement.
Authorities in Bedfordshire, England, continue their pursuit of Andrew’s extradition in connection with distinct allegations, including rape, human trafficking, and tax evasion.
In the United Kingdom, four British women have initiated a civil lawsuit against Andrew Tate in the High Court, claiming that he raped and exerted coercive control over them, allegations that he has also denied.
The plaintiffs asserted that it was evident he would evade criminal prosecution in Romania and urged UK authorities to intervene.
