Andrew and Tristan Tate Face Florida Criminal Probe Days After US Homecoming

The controversial influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate are now under the spotlight of a Florida criminal investigation, mere days after their return to the United States. This comes on the heels of ongoing legal troubles in Europe, including allegations of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on X Tuesday evening that his office had initiated 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," Uthmeier stated.

While the specifics of the investigation remain unclear, it appears to potentially mirror allegations the brothers face overseas. Uthmeier's spokesperson offered little clarification, stating only that the X post "speaks for itself." A video accompanying the announcement featured Uthmeier condemning the Tate brothers' alleged behavior, including accusations involving minors. "In Florida, this type of behavior is viewed as atrocious. We're not going to accept it," he declared.

Andrew and Tristan Tate, aged 38 and 37 respectively, are also under investigation in Romania and the UK. A Florida woman has filed a lawsuit against them, claiming she was lured to Romania under false pretenses. Her attorney, Dani Pinter, commended Uthmeier's decision to launch a U.S.-based investigation, stating, "Over 40 victims have been identified across Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They deserve justice."

Despite mounting legal battles, Andrew Tate maintained their innocence during a media appearance upon their arrival in Fort Lauderdale last Thursday. "We’ve yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives, ever. We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet," he asserted.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wasted no time making his stance clear, publicly stating the brothers were not welcome in the Sunshine State. Meanwhile, legal experts have raised eyebrows at the early public announcement of the investigation, with one defense attorney speculating that the boldness could indicate either a strong case or broader implications yet unseen.

The Tate brothers responded to the new probe with characteristic bravado, posting a video on X Wednesday morning dismissing the investigation as "revenge of the nerds." Andrew Tate added, "Everyone loves me, and a bunch of nerds who wanna be cool, who aren't cool, are trying to drag me down." Whether this defense will hold up remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a colorful one.

In the UK, the brothers face additional accusations, including failure to pay taxes. Andrew Tate could face extradition on a charge of sexual aggression once his Romanian case concludes.