Romanian prosecutors have formally requested that Andrew Tate, a well-known internet personality, be detained for an additional 30 days, according to his representative.
This decision comes after Tate and five others were taken into custody on Wednesday in an ongoing investigation into allegations of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The initial detention of the six individuals was for 24 hours, but following a series of home searches in Ilfov county and Bucharest, prosecutors requested an extension of their detention.
Tate and his brother Tristan were previously indicted in mid-2023 for their alleged involvement in human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.
The allegations, which the brothers deny, are extremely serious and disturbing. It is essential that the Romanian authorities take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is served.
In a statement, Tate’s representative confirmed that the brothers had been issued a proposal for 30 days of preventative arrest and that a hearing to decide on their detention would be held at 12 pm in Bucharest.
However, the representative did not address the fresh allegations against Tate in the statement and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Before their latest detention, the brothers were subject to a travel ban, which allowed them to travel within Romania but prohibited them from leaving the country.
This implies that Tate had been restricted in his movements, but the authorities still felt that he posed a significant risk and needed to be detained.
Andrew Tate (Image via Getty)
Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynist, has gained a significant following online by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that many critics argue denigrates women.
His online presence is impressive, with millions of fans who have been drawn to his views and lifestyle. However, his views are widely criticized, and his latest allegations are a stark reminder of the harm that his actions may have caused.
The Romanian authorities, led by the anti-organised crime prosecutor DIICOT, have launched an investigation into the allegations against Tate and the other five individuals.
According to DIICOT, the six accused used the “loverboy” method to convince 34 victims that they were in a romantic relationship, forcing them to produce pornography, which was then sold online for significant profits.
The allegations are extremely disturbing and include claims that one of the accused forced a 17-year-old minor to produce pornography in both Britain and Romania, generating profits of over $1.5 million.
The same individual is also alleged to have had repeated sexual relations with a 15-year-old victim. These actions are illegal and morally reprehensible, and it is imperative that the authorities take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial that the Romanian authorities provide transparency and accountability to ensure that justice is served. The allegations against Tate and the other accused are severe, and it is essential that they are treated with the seriousness and gravity they deserve.
The public will be closely following the developments in this case, and it is hoped that the authorities will take a firm and decisive approach to addressing the allegations.
