Authorities in the United States have initiated a criminal investigation into social media personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate, Al Jazeera reports, citing Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
The announcement comes shortly after the brothers arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on February 27, following the lifting of a travel ban imposed by Romanian authorities.
Uthmeier stated on Tuesday that he had instructed his office “to work with our law enforcement partners to conduct a preliminary inquiry” into the brothers.
“Based on a thorough review of the evidence, I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to execute search warrants and issue subpoenas in the now-active criminal investigation into the Tate brothers.”
The Tate brothers, dual US-British citizens, are currently facing trial in Romania on charges of operating a criminal ring that allegedly lured women to the country for sexual exploitation. Andrew Tate also faces an accusation of rape. They were formally indicted last year along with two Romanian women.
The brothers have amassed a large following, primarily consisting of young men, attracted to their opulent lifestyle, hyper-masculine persona, and controversial, often misogynistic, rhetoric. Their views have led to bans from several social media platforms for violating hate speech policies, including suggesting women should bear responsibility for sexual assault.
In addition to the Romanian case, British authorities are also seeking the Tates’ arrest on charges of rape and human trafficking. The brothers have consistently denied all allegations against them.
The recent return of the Tates to the United States via private jet has sparked speculation, particularly after Romanian prosecutors lifted the travel ban and returned their US passports. Accusations have emerged suggesting that White House officials exerted pressure on Romanian authorities to release the Tates, who are known supporters of former US President Donald Trump.
Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Emil Hurezeanu acknowledged that the brothers were mentioned during a brief meeting between Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, and himself at the Munich Security Conference last month. However, Romanian Justice Minister Radu Marinescu has denied that US pressure played any role in the decision to lift the travel ban.
