Andrew Tate loses appeal against detention in Romania

Andrew Tate, the controversial former kickboxer turned social media influencer, and his brother Tristan have lost their appeal and will remain in detention in Romania on allegations of human trafficking and rape, CNN affiliate Antena 3 reported Wednesday.

The brothers will remain in Bucharest police custody until February 27, Antena 3 reported. The court’s decision is final.

Romanian police raided five homes and arrested the brothers and two other suspects on December 30.

They allege the suspects had formed an organized criminal group that stretched from Romania to Britain and the United States, for the purpose of human trafficking.

Authorities allege that two of the suspects tricked the victims “into believing that they intended to enter into a marriage/cohabitation relationship” while transporting them to Romania and subsequently sexually exploiting them with physical violence and violence. coercion.

Authorities also allege that one of the suspects raped a victim twice in March 2022. At least six victims were alleged “sexually exploited by the organized criminal group,” according to a statement from the Romanian Organized Crime Investigation Directorate. and Terrorism (DIICOT).

On January 25, the brothers claimed their innocence after being questioned and their electronic devices seized for analysis.

“There is no evidence in my file because I did nothing wrong. Everyone knows I’m innocent,” Andrew Tate said. As he was driven to the DIICOT headquarters, he added: “There is no justice in Romania.”

Ioan Gliga, one of the Tate brothers’ lawyers, told reporters at the time: “We are confident that the evidence is in favor of our clients, categorically not against them.”

Romanian police searched 12 properties as part of their investigation, DIICOT said in mid-January. Romanian authorities also seized about 18 million lei ($3,942,700) in assets belonging to Andrew Tate, including motor vehicles, luxury watches, and cash in several different currencies, according to the agency. recovery and management of the country’s assets.

Andrew Tate is known for his viral online rants about male dominance, female submissiveness and wealth. He openly advocates violence against women and had previously been banned from all major social media platforms until Elon Musk reinstated his Twitter account after taking over the business.

He rose to prominence earlier this year, with many adults, including teachers, worrying about his misogynistic ideas taking root in the minds of countless young boys. Prior to its deletion, his TikTok account had racked up around 11.6 billion views.