Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Tuesday that his office has launched a criminal investigation into Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are currently facing human trafficking charges in Romania. This move comes just days after the brothers returned to the U.S. from Romania.
Uthmeier shared the news on social media, revealing that he had directed his office to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in conducting a preliminary inquiry into the Tate 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,” he said in his statement.
The investigation follows the Tates’ arrival in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to the news by telling reporters that the Tate brothers were not welcome in the state and ordered the attorney general to examine whether Florida had jurisdiction over their alleged crimes.
In response, Andrew Tate appeared on the PPD Podcast on Monday, claiming that Governor DeSantis was bowing to media pressure. He asserted his right to return to his home country, stating, “I have a U.S. passport, I have the right to visit my home country.” Tate also denied the accusations against him, asserting that he had never been tried or convicted of any crime.
The Tate brothers, who hold dual U.S.-British citizenship, were arrested in December 2022 and formally indicted in Romania the following year. They are accused of running a criminal enterprise that coerced women into moving to Romania, where they were sexually exploited. Andrew Tate is also facing rape charges, which he and his brother deny.
Andrew Tate, 38, a former professional kickboxer and controversial social media personality, has gained millions of followers, many of whom are young men attracted by his lavish lifestyle and outspoken views. His brother, Tristan, 36, is also a prominent figure in the media. The brothers are known for their vocal support of former President Donald Trump.
Andrew Tate has been banned from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook due to his misogynistic remarks and hate speech, including controversial statements about sexual assault.
The brothers left Romania after the country’s Foreign Minister, Emil Hurezeanu, revealed that a Trump administration official had shown interest in their case during the recent Munich Security Conference. The criminal investigation in Florida will add another layer to the growing legal challenges the Tate brothers face.
