Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has confirmed the commencement of a criminal investigation into Andrew and Tristan Tate upon their recent arrival in Florida.
State investigators have been instructed to carry out search warrants and issue subpoenas regarding the Tate brothers, stemming from the charges they faced in Romania related to allegations of human trafficking, rape, and involvement in a criminal gang for the sexual exploitation of women. The Tate brothers, including far-right influencer Andrew Tate, were apprehended near Bucharest in December 2022 and resided in the country until their arrival in Florida last week, subsequent to the lifting of their travel ban by Romanian authorities.
Florida’s Response
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear that the Tate brothers were unwelcome in the state even before Uthmeier’s office initiated the investigation.
Uthmeier expressed his concerns in a social media interview, stating, “These individuals have openly acknowledged their involvement in activities that strongly suggest solicitation, trafficking, and exploitation of women globally. Regardless of any attempts to justify or defend their actions, such behavior is deemed reprehensible in Florida.”
Andrew Tate voiced disappointment on Monday regarding DeSantis’s reaction to their arrival in Fort Lauderdale. He raised questions about the governor’s stance during a recent podcast, implying that DeSantis should have responded by asserting, “As far as we’re concerned, they have not violated any laws.”
Romanian Authorities’ Standpoint
Although the Tate brothers were permitted to depart Romania upon their request, Romania’s Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism clarified that the brothers are still under investigation and subject to judicial control, necessitating their return to Romania in March.
Further details regarding the progress of Florida’s investigation remain undisclosed as of Tuesday evening.
Uthmeier affirmed the state’s commitment to holding the Tate brothers accountable, stating, “By choosing to enter our jurisdiction, we will employ all legal means at our disposal to ensure they face the consequences of their actions.”
