Romanian Court Halts Andrew Tate Trial Over Prosecutorial Missteps

BUCHAREST, Romania — An appeals court in Romania has ruled that the human trafficking case against Andrew Tate, his brother Tristan, and two Romanian women cannot proceed to trial due to significant legal irregularities identified during the prosecution’s handling of the case.

This decision follows the arrests made two years ago, with all four individuals facing serious accusations of human trafficking and forming a criminal gang aimed at sexually exploiting women. Andrew Tate is also charged with rape.

While the ruling represents a considerable setback for Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), it does not signify the closure of the case. Prosecutors have the opportunity to revisit the evidence and possibly refile charges against the accused.

In November, the same court provided the prosecution with five days to amend their case file or withdraw their charges. Following the appeals court’s recent decision, Tate’s legal team highlighted fundamental flaws in the prosecution’s case. Mateea Petrescu, a spokesperson for Tate, emphasized the absence of credible evidence and procedural integrity.

“The court recognized serious concerns regarding the investigative process,” she stated, reflecting on the significant procedural errors noted by the judges. The court previously deemed witness statements and remarks from the Tate brothers inadmissible.

Earlier, Romanian prosecutors formally indicted the Tate brothers and the two women. Despite a previous ruling indicating a trial could commence, a specific date has not yet been set, and all defendants maintain their innocence.

Commenting on the court’s ruling, Andrew Tate expressed frustration, citing the time prosecutors had to build their case without legitimate results. He condemned the legal actions against him, describing them as an assault on his reputation. “They made me the biggest enemy on the streets,” he said. “But I never broke.”

Legal representative Eugen Vidineac called the court’s decision a significant victory, stating it underscored the necessity for a robust legal system. “Andrew and Tristan Tate will not be silenced, nor will the truth,” he asserted.

Tate, known for his substantial following on social media, has consistently alleged that the charges stem from a political conspiracy aimed at curtailing his influence.

In a separate matter, a British court recently allowed law enforcement to seize over 2.6 million pounds ($3.3 million) from the Tate brothers for unpaid taxes. Andrew Tate denounced the move as “outright theft” and attributed it to a broader governmental strategy targeting dissenters.

Additionally, a new investigation in Romania has been launched against the brothers concerning human trafficking involving minors, sexual intercourse with minors, and money laundering. They deny these allegations as well.

As legal proceedings continue, the Tate brothers are also facing extradition due to outstanding charges in the U.K. stemming from incidents between 2012 and 2015. Romania agreed to the extradition only after all local legal actions are resolved.

The Tate brothers spent three months in detention following their arrest in December 2022 before being transitioned to house arrest. Their travel has since been restricted to Bucharest and the surrounding areas.

McGrath reported from Warwick, England.