Andrew Tate has left Romania, with his brother, for the US today after a travel ban on them was lifted. It has been claimed they left on a private jet.
Romanian officials have denied there was political “pressure” but have confirmed US special envoy Richard Grenell requested the brothers be able to travel freely.
However, the Trump administration had reportedly pressed the Romanian government to lift travel restrictions on the brothers earlier this month.
The brothers were first arrested by Romanian authorities three years ago, and face trial for on allegations of trafficking minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering. They deny all of the claims.
The brothers, who both hold dual UK-US nationality, are also subject to a European arrest warrant secured by Bedfordshire Police for allegations of rape and human trafficking.
Romania’s anti-organised crime agency, DIICOT, said prosecutors approved a “request to modify the obligation preventing the defendants from leaving Romania”.
DIICOT also said: “These include the requirement to appear before judicial authorities whenever summoned. The defendants have been warned that deliberately violating these obligations may result in judicial control being replaced with a stricter deprivation of liberty measure.”
It is understood that the brothers still remain under investigation and are expected to return to Romania at the end of March. Their lawyer Eugen Vidineac said earlier this year that the brothers remain “dedicated to clearing their names and reputation”.
Romanian officials have denied there was political “pressure” but have confirmed US special envoy Richard Grenell requested the brothers be able to travel freely.
Accusers speak out
Four women who have accused Tate of rape and coercive control and have brought a civil claim against him in the UK have said the news of them leaving Romania has left them “retraumatised”.
In a joint statement, they said: “We are in disbelief and feel retraumatised by the news that the Romanian authorities have given into pressure from the Trump administration to allow Andrew Tate to travel around Europe and to the US.
“We can only hope that the British authorities finally take action, do something about this terrifying unfolding situation and ensure he faces justice in the UK.”
