Romanian Courts Reject Internet Influencer’s Bids for Confiscated Items

Written by Sophie Ritzenthaler | April 1, 2024

Andrew Tate

Last week Andrew Tate, a British-American influencer and self-proclaimed misogynist, was
denied a bid to have his confiscated assets returned. After being arrested in December 2022, Tate
was indicted in June 2023 in Romania on counts of rape, human trafficking, and forming an
organized crime group used to sexually exploit women. During the investigation 3.9 million USD
worth of goods were seized, including fifteen luxury cars, fourteen designer watches, and cash in
several currencies. Since the indictment in June, the case has been in Bucharest with the court’s
preliminary level to examine files for legality, this process was only expected to take two months
but courts are currently backlogged.

Andrew Tate and his brother, who is also involved in the crimes, have repeatedly asked the
courts to release their assets. They formally appealed the decision to the courts in January and
the Bucharest Court of Appeals accepted their request for the seizure to be reassessed. On
Friday, March 22, after reviewing the appeal, the courts decided that the assets will continue to
remain with Romanian law enforcement as the investigation is ongoing. According to Tate’s
representatives, he will file for another appeal. This comes on the back of a decision by the
courts last week to extend geographical restrictions on the Tate brothers for 60 days so they are
unable to leave the country. Britain has also issued a warrant for the brother’s arrest for a sexual
aggression case that took place between 2012 and 2015. Romanian courts have granted Britain’s
extradition request to be fulfilled after legal proceedings against them have concluded.