Andrew Tate, the controversial internet personality, has once again found himself entangled with the law. This time, he’s at the center of a shocking human trafficking investigation in Romania, facing accusations of organized crime, human trafficking, and rape.
Disturbing Messages Come to Light
As the investigation unfolds, disturbing messages allegedly sent by Tate to a woman in 2015 have surfaced, shedding light on his past behavior and raising serious concerns about the current allegations against him. These messages, published by Vice World News, include graphic content and admissions of violence, painting a troubling picture of Tate’s treatment of women.
One message reads, “I loved raping you,” while another audio recording captures Tate saying, “Am I a bad person because the more you didn’t like it the more I enjoyed it? I f***ing loved how much you hated it, turned me on.”
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Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are escorted by police officers outside the headquarters of the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) in Bucharest, Romania, on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (Photo by Vadim Ghirda/AP)
These revelations come as Tate remains in detention following his arrest in Romania in late December 2022.
A History of Violence and Legal Trouble
This isn’t Tate’s first brush with the law. In 2015, he was arrested in the United Kingdom after an accuser presented authorities with a voice recording and violent WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by him. The messages included threats and disturbing admissions of violence.
One message read, “Are you seriously so offended I strangled you a little bit? You didn’t f***ing pass out…chill the F out Jesus Christ. I thought you were cool what’s wrong with you?”
Following his arrest, Tate was investigated for sexual assault and physical abuse after two separate accusers came forward. However, the case was dropped by prosecutors in 2019.
The Romanian Investigation
The current investigation in Romania centers around allegations that Tate, his brother, and two female accomplices, coerced six women into engaging in sexually explicit content online. Romanian authorities are accusing the group of exploiting the women for financial gain.
On Thursday, authorities conducted searches of seven properties owned by Tate, gathering evidence in connection with the alleged crimes. A spokesperson for the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism stated that the purpose of the searches was to “obtain further Evidence.”
All four suspects in the case are currently being held in Romanian jail. Prosecutors can request an extension of Tate’s detention from 30 days to 180 days as they continue to build their case.
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Andrew Tate leaves after he and his brother Tristan, along with two other suspects, were detained for 24 hours in Bucharest, Romania, on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. (Photo by Romanian Police/Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
The World Reacts
Andrew Tate, known for his misogynistic views and lavish lifestyle, amassed millions of followers on social media before being banned from various platforms. His arrest has sparked intense debate and media scrutiny, with some condemning his alleged actions while others defend him.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the world watches, awaiting the outcome of this disturbing case that has brought the issue of human trafficking and online exploitation back into the spotlight.