The trial of internet sensation Andrew Tate on human trafficking allegations can proceed, a Romanian court ordered on Friday, 10 months after he was first indicted, though his agent indicated he will appeal the ruling.
Andrew Tate, his brother Tristan, and two Romanian female suspects were indicted in June on charges of human trafficking, rape, and creating a criminal gang to sexually exploit people, allegations they have denied.
Under Romanian law, the case was then sent to the Bucharest court’s preliminary chamber, which was responsible for inspecting the case files and evidence to guarantee validity. The process is now complete, and the criminal trial may begin.
“The court notes the legality of evidence management by … prosecutors, and rules that the case can go to trial,” the Bucharest court said, adding the ruling can be challenged on appeal. No date has been set for the trial.
Eugen Vidineac, the brothers’ lead defence lawyer, said he had submitted an appeal against the decision.
“The ruling issued by the preliminary chamber judge lacks legal basis and reasoning,” he said in a statement. “We have filed a strong appeal as we believe the ruling to be unlawful.”
The charges of trafficking adults and rape in Romania can lead to a maximum of 10 years in prison.
In March, a court in Romania approved Britain’s extradition request for the Tate brothers on allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012-15, but only after the completion of Romanian trial proceedings.
The Tate brothers, both ex-kickboxers and dual citizens of the U.S. and the UK, are among the most prominent figures undergoing trial in Romania for human trafficking. Their case is crucial for the Romanian anti-organized crime unit, DIICOT.
The charges of trafficking adults and rape in Romania can lead to a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The brothers were detained from late December 2022 to April 2023 during the investigation, to hinder any potential escape or evidence tampering.
Subsequently, they were placed under house arrest until August. After that, they were subjected to judicial control, a less restrictive form of detention that restricts them from leaving the country but allows for more freedom of movement.
Romanian authorities have alleged that the Tate brothers lured their victims by feigning romantic or marital intentions.
Once these individuals were brought to locations outside Bucharest, they were reportedly subjected to physical and psychological coercion to produce pornographic material for social media, which was financially lucrative, according to prosecutors.
Andrew Tate, who openly identifies as a misogynist, has attracted a vast following by advocating a hyper-masculine lifestyle, which has been widely criticized for its derogatory views towards women.