Romanian Appeals Court Rejects Human Trafficking Case Against Andrew Tate, Citing Legal Irregularities

 

A Romanian appeals court ruled on Thursday that the human trafficking case against social media influencer Andrew Tate, his brother Tristan Tate, and two Romanian women cannot proceed to trial due to multiple legal and procedural flaws by the prosecution.

The Bucharest Court of Appeal's decision is a significant setback for Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, which had charged the four with human trafficking, forming a criminal gang to exploit women, and, in Andrew Tate's case, rape.

While the ruling does not dismiss the charges, it returns the case to prosecutors, giving them the opportunity to present new evidence or amend the existing charges. The court had previously ordered DIICOT to amend the case file in November, citing deficiencies.

Tate’s spokesperson, Mateea Petrescu, welcomed the court's decision, stating it highlighted "significant procedural flaws" and raised questions about the integrity of the investigation.

“The review revealed serious concerns about the credibility of the prosecution’s case,” Petrescu said.

Andrew Tate, 38, accused prosecutors of targeting him unfairly, saying, “They’ve had years to build their case, dragged my name through the dirt, and yet, they have nothing.”

The court excluded several pieces of evidence, including statements from two alleged victims and the Tate brothers. It also criticized the prosecutors for failing to clearly outline the charges to one alleged victim and properly presenting accusations against the two female suspects.

The indictment also lacked details on asset confiscations, further undermining the case.

Romanian prosecutors formally indicted the Tates and their alleged accomplices last year, but the appeals court’s ruling forces them to strengthen their case. The Tates deny all allegations.

In addition to the Romanian case, a British court recently ruled that UK authorities could seize over £2.6 million ($3.3 million) from the Tates to cover unpaid taxes. Andrew Tate criticized the UK government, calling the move “outright theft.”

Eugen Vidineac, the Tates’ lawyer, hailed the ruling as a "significant legal victory."

“This decision underscores the importance of due process and the integrity of our legal system,” Vidineac said.

As the case returns to prosecutors, the spotlight remains on Romania’s justice system and its handling of high-profile cases involving organized crime and human trafficking.