Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have left Romania on a private jet bound for the United States. The move follows the lifting of a travel ban imposed by Romanian prosecutors, allowing the dual US-UK nationals to exit the country. Their departure comes amid ongoing legal challenges, with Andrew Tate facing serious accusations both in the United Kingdom and Romania.
The brothers had been prohibited from leaving Romania after their arrest in 2022 on charges including human trafficking, sexual intercourse with a minor, money laundering, and forming an organized crime group. These allegations persist, with a British lawyer representing the alleged victims asserting that the Tates will be held accountable in Romania.
“Any suggestion that the Tates will not face justice in Romania is fanciful.” – Matthew Jury
A Romanian court previously replaced Andrew Tate's house arrest with a less restrictive preventative measure, paving the way for their departure. This decision followed reports of intervention by Donald Trump's administration, which purportedly pressed Romanian authorities to lift travel restrictions. The Financial Times detailed a phone call and meeting between Trump's special envoy Richard Grenell and Romania's Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu aimed at facilitating the Tates' travel.
“The news that pressure by the Trump Administration has led to Andrew Tate, and his brother Tristan, being allowed to leave Romania by its authorities is (in) equal parts disgusting and dismaying.” – Matthew Jury
However, Romania's Foreign Ministry has denied any external influence in their decision-making process.
“No pressure, no solicitations.” – A spokesperson for Romania’s Foreign Ministry
The Tates' attorney confirmed the removal of their travel ban, indicating that this modification was made at the request of their legal team.
“They no longer have a travel ban… The prosecutor, at the request of the lawyers, modified the content of the obligations previously imposed.” – Ioan Gliga
Andrew Tate's legal troubles extend beyond Romanian borders. In the UK, he faces accusations of sexual misconduct, all of which he denies. Despite being banned from most social media platforms, Tate has maintained a significant online following, amplified by Elon Musk's decision to reinstate his account on X. He has emerged as a controversial figure and cause célèbre among some segments of the American right.
The Tate brothers are expected to return to Romania for their next court appearance on March 24. Meanwhile, a Romanian court ruled in October that luxury cars valued at approximately €4 million, seized during investigations, should be returned to Tate pending ongoing inquiries.
