Andrew and Tristan Tate charged with 21 crimes, including rape, in the UK

Social media influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate have found themselves in hot water as they face a total of 21 charges, including rape and human trafficking, in the United Kingdom. The charges, authorized in January 2024, have resulted in warrants being issued for their arrests.

The Tates, who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and U.K., had moved to Romania in 2016, where they have been living since. The charges announced on Wednesday mark the first time the brothers have been criminally charged in Britain, despite previous legal troubles.

Andrew Tate, the more well-known of the two brothers, faces 10 charges related to three women, including rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for gain. Tristan, on the other hand, faces 11 charges related to one woman, which also include rape, human trafficking, and actual bodily harm.

The Tates, who have a combined social media following of over 10 million, describe themselves as entrepreneurs. Andrew, a former kickboxer and MMA fighter, has drawn a significant following with his unapologetic misogyny that has appealed to young men seeking a luxurious lifestyle.

The brothers have been accused of luring women to Romania for sexual exploitation in a 2022 case that faced setbacks in prosecution. In a separate case opened in August 2024, they are also being investigated for allegedly trafficking underage girls. Additionally, they have been accused of failing to pay taxes in the U.K.

Both Andrew and Tristan have vehemently denied all allegations in Romania. However, Romanian courts have issued an order to extradite the two to the U.K. once their court case is concluded. The warrant issued by Bedfordshire Police for the siblings dates back to between 2012 and 2015.

The whereabouts of the brothers are currently unclear, but they were photographed outside a police station in Voluntari, Romania, where they are required to report regularly while facing charges there.

It is a shocking turn of events for the Tate brothers, who have gained fame and fortune through their social media presence. As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of their influencer careers remains uncertain.