Andrew and Tristan Tate Hit with Rape, Trafficking Charges in U.K.

In a dramatic turn, social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate face a barrage of serious charges in the United Kingdom, with prosecutors unveiling a combined 21 counts, including rape and human trafficking. The brothers, known for their polarizing online presence, were hit with these charges on May 28, 2025, marking their first criminal charges in Britain, though warrants for their arrests were issued back in January 2024.

Andrew Tate, the more prominent of the duo, faces 10 charges tied to allegations involving three women. These include rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for gain. His brother, Tristan, is charged with 11 counts related to one woman, encompassing similar offenses like rape and human trafficking. The accusations paint a grim picture of exploitation, with the brothers allegedly luring women to Romania for sexual exploitation, a claim that echoes a 2022 Romanian case that collapsed due to prosecutorial missteps.

The Tates, who boast a following of over 10 million and flaunt a lavish lifestyle, have long courted controversy. Andrew, a former kickboxer, has built a persona steeped in unapologetic misogyny, drawing a dedicated audience of young men. Yet, their legal troubles extend beyond the U.K. In Romania, they face ongoing investigations, including a new case opened in August 2024 for allegedly trafficking underage girls. Add to that accusations of tax evasion in the U.K., and the brothers are entangled in a web of legal battles across borders.

Romanian courts have agreed to extradite the Tates to the U.K. once their local cases conclude, with the U.K. charges stemming from alleged crimes between 2012 and 2015. Last spotted outside a Romanian police station, their current whereabouts remain unclear, leaving the public wondering if their larger-than-life personas will withstand this mounting scrutiny.