An inquiry into social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate has been launched by authorities in the United States. James Uthmeier, the attorney general for Florida, announced on Tuesday that his office would be working with law enforcement partners to conduct a preliminary investigation into the brothers.
The Tate brothers, who arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on February 27 after a travel ban was lifted by Romanian authorities, are currently facing trial in Romania for allegedly running a criminal organization that trafficked women for sexual exploitation.
“After reviewing the evidence, I have instructed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to execute search warrants and issue subpoenas as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the Tate brothers,” Uthmeier stated.
The Tate brothers, who hold dual US-British citizenship, have a large following on social media, particularly among young men, attracted to their extravagant lifestyle, macho image, and derogatory language towards women. They have been banned from several platforms for promoting hate speech, including blaming women for sexual assault.
The Tate brothers were arrested by Romanian authorities in late 2022 and were formally charged last year, along with two Romanian women, for sex trafficking. Additionally, Andrew Tate faces accusations of rape.
The brothers have denied all charges against them.
While Romanian prosecutors previously imposed a travel ban on the Tates during the investigation, it was lifted recently, and their US passports were returned to them.
Their return to the US via private jet has raised questions about whether White House officials influenced Romanian authorities to release them, given the Tates’ support for President Donald Trump. However, Romanian Justice Minister Radu Marinescu has denied any US pressure in their release.
Upon their arrival in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the brothers were not welcome in the state, emphasizing that Florida does not tolerate such behavior. DeSantis also called on the attorney general to explore whether state authorities have jurisdiction over any alleged crimes committed by the Tate brothers.
In response, Andrew Tate accused DeSantis of giving in to media pressure and asserted his right to visit his country of citizenship. He maintained his innocence, stating that he had not committed any crimes and had never been tried or convicted.
