Andrew Tate and brother Tristan can be extradited to the UK, Romanian court rules
The Romanian court has ruled that controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan can be extradited to the UK.
Following their detention in Bucharest on Monday by Bedfordshire Police, who secured an arrest warrant, the brothers await extradition pending the conclusion of their separate trial in Romania on human trafficking charges, according to a judge’s ruling.
Both Andrew, 37, and Tristan, 35, have been released from custody. Andrew Tate stated outside the court, “We are very innocent men and in time everybody is going to see that. We are excited to finish this judicial process and clear our names.”
Later, speaking to the BBC outside his home on the outskirts of Bucharest, Andrew reiterated, “The whole thing is garbage.”
Despite their vehement denial of all charges, the brothers will remain under judicial control in Romania, barring them from leaving the country.
Before the extradition authorization by the Court of Appeal in Bucharest, Bedfordshire Police confirmed that an arrest warrant had been obtained for two men in their 30s as part of an investigation into allegations of rape and human trafficking.
“We understand this is a distressing subject, and people may be impacted by what they are seeing in the news,” the force said in a statement.
According to the brothers’ legal representatives, the allegations date back to 2012-2015.
Speaking after they were released one of their lawyers, Eugen Vidineac, said: “We appreciate the Bucharest Court of Appeal’s decision to postpone the extradition of Andrew and Tristan Tate.
“This ruling provides an opportunity for the brothers to participate fully in their defence and for the legal process to proceed in a transparent manner.”
Romanian authorities are investigating separate allegations of rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang – charges the brothers deny.
In December 2022, the brothers were arrested by Romanian authorities and eventually placed under house arrest in the town of Voluntari. The house arrest was lifted in August last year but they were prevented from leaving Romania.
They are accused of exploiting women via an adult content business, which prosecutors allege operated as a criminal group.
Mr Tate has repeatedly claimed Romanian prosecutors have no evidence against him and there is a conspiracy to silence him.
Speaking on Monday Mr Vidineac added: “Our clients are fully committed to actively participating in the legal process and defending their reputation.
“We believe this rumour has originated from a popular online influencer who misconstrued a text message from our clients while streaming live.
“There is simply no truth to it.”
