Andrew Tate reportedly indicted in Romania for child trafficking, money laundering, witness tampering, and more

On September 4, 2026, businessman and social media influencer Andrew Tate was formally indicted on four allegations. His brother, Tristan Tate, was indicted for complicity in the alleged offenses. This comes as a major update, considering the new indictment comes after their earlier case ran into procedural problems. Notably, the Romanian investigation against the Tates began in December 2022.

Now, nearly four years later, Romania’s anti-organized crime prosecutors, DIICOT, indicted Andrew Tate on the following allegations:

1. Trafficking of minors
2. Sex with a minor
3. Money laundering
4. Witness tampering

It should be pointed out that an indictment is not a conviction. It means prosecutors believe they have sufficient grounds to send the case forward for judicial examination. The brothers remain presumed innocent unless convicted.

In December 2023, the initial 2022 investigation against Tristan and Andrew Tate led to a formal indictment in an earlier case involving allegations including human trafficking and rape.

However, in December 2024, the Bucharest Court of Appeal returned the indictment to prosecutors because of multiple legal and procedural irregularities. Essentially, the court found problems with the way prosecutors had constructed or handled the case and sent it back to DIICOT for further work.

Andrew Tate currently being held in the United States

The timing of the Romanian indictment is significant because Andrew and Tristan are currently being held in the United States. In July 2026, the brothers were arrested in Miami following a request from the United Kingdom for their extradition.

The British case is separate from this Romanian prosecution. In the UK, Andrew faces allegations including rape and trafficking-related offenses, while the brothers contest extradition and deny wrongdoing.

According to a report from Sky News, the Tates’ lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, claims that the brothers “continue to reject the allegations”:

“We will examine every aspect of (the indictment) with ⁠the same level of scrutiny, and ⁠we will challenge any evidential, procedural or legal deficiencies through the appropriate judicial process. Our clients continue to reject the allegations against them.”

In January 2026, Andrew Tate said he’d potentially “go to jail,” while claiming his life has been “destroyed.”

Edited by Vishnu Menon