Tates return to Romania to 'prove their innocence'

British-American influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have returned to Romania from the United States, where they face charges of human trafficking and other offenses. This follows Romanian prosecutors lifting a two-year travel ban, allowing them to travel to the U.S.

Outside their Bucharest residence, the brothers told the media that they returned because "innocent people don't run from anything." Andrew Tate added, "We're here to prove our innocence and we believe we should have a fair trial in Romania." According to the BBC, the brothers are scheduled to report to the police station on Monday. They strongly deny the allegations against them.

Andrew Tate previously told his 10.8 million followers on his X platform that he spent $185,000 (£143,000) to fly with his brother on a private jet "just to sign a document in Romania." They told reporters that they love Romania and "will never leave," but would go whenever they wanted if they wanted to go on vacation.

Andrew Tate, 38, who describes himself as a "misogynist," claims to have made millions of dollars through social media, although he was previously banned from several platforms for his views. He and Tristan, 36, are accused of human trafficking and forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women in Romania. Andrew Tate is also accused of rape. Furthermore, the brothers are facing a separate investigation in the UK regarding allegations of rape and human trafficking.

In the United States, they face a civil lawsuit from a woman who claims the brothers coerced her into sex work and defamed her after she provided evidence to Romanian authorities. They deny these allegations. Romanian prosecutors emphasized that the charges against the brothers have not been dropped and that they remain "under judicial control," meaning they must report to authorities regularly. However, their departure raised concerns that prosecutors may have been under political pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. President stated that he knew nothing about the Tate brothers' release from Romania. When asked about concerns about American influence, the brothers dismissed these claims. "There is no pressure from America, only the rule of law," the older brother told reporters.

The Tate brothers have a large following in the United States and are popular among some on the American right. Earlier in February, some of Andrew Tate's alleged victims said they were "extremely concerned" about reports that U.S. officials had requested a relaxation of his travel restrictions. In August 2024, Andrew Tate was placed under house arrest in Romania when prosecutors launched a second criminal investigation against him and his brother Tristan, along with four other suspects. They all deny any wrongdoing. In addition, the brothers are wanted in the UK for alleged sexual assault, allegations they also deny.

The brothers are also accused of tax evasion in the UK. A UK court ruled in December 2024 that police could seize more than £2 million ($2.6 million) from them for failing to pay taxes on £21 million in income from their online businesses. Andrew Tate said the ruling was "not justice" and called it an "organized attack."