Andrew and Tristan Tate face Florida criminal probe days after US homecoming

The controversial influencers Andrew Tate, 38, and his brother Tristan Tate, 37, have found themselves at the center of yet another legal storm following their recent return to the United States. Known for their polarizing online presence, the Tate brothers have been accused of a array of serious offenses, including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and tax evasion, in multiple countries. Their legal troubles now appear to be intensifying in the U.S., where they are the subjects of a newly launched criminal investigation led by the Florida Attorney General’s office.

In a statement published on the social media platform X, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed that his office had initiated a preliminary inquiry into the Tate brothers just days after their return to the U.S. This inquiry quickly escalated into an active criminal investigation, with Uthmeier directing the Office of Statewide Prosecution to execute search warrants and issue subpoenas. While the exact details of the investigation remain unclear, it is speculated that it may explore allegations similar to those the brothers have faced in Europe, where they are accused of exploiting and trafficking women.

The Tate brothers’ legal battles are not confined to the U.S. They have been under criminal investigation in Romania since 2022, where they were detained for several months before being released under house arrest. Romanian prosecutors have accused them of running a human trafficking ring, allegations the brothers vehemently deny. Additionally, the brothers are facing legal challenges in the United Kingdom, where they have been accused of tax evasion and other financial crimes. Andrew Tate, in particular, may face extradition to the U.K. on charges of sexual assault once the Romanian case concludes.

Despite the mounting legal pressure, the Tate brothers continue to maintain their innocence. Upon their arrival in Florida last week, Andrew Tate told reporters that they had yet to be convicted of any crime and were entitled to the presumption of innocence. “We’ve yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives, ever,” he said. “We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet, ever.” The brothers have consistently dismissed the allegations against them as baseless and part of a coordinated effort to tarnish their reputations.

However, their detractors argue that the brothers’ own public statements have raised red flags. Attorney General Uthmeier described their behavior as “atrocious” and pointed to their apparent admissions of misconduct, including soliciting and exploiting women globally. Some of their accusers are minors, adding a particularly disturbing dimension to the allegations. The brothers’ lawyer did not respond to a request for comment, but the Tates themselves addressed the new investigation in a video posted online, dismissing it as a “revenge of the nerds” and suggesting it was driven by personal jealousy.

The decision by Florida’s attorney general to publicly announce the investigation has sparked debate among legal experts. Defense attorney David Gelman noted that it is unusual for a prosecutor to reveal details of an ongoing investigation so early, as such inquiries are typically conducted in secret. Gelman speculated that Uthmeier’s approach might indicate either a particularly strong case or a desire to preempt further developments. Meanwhile, the brothers’ critics, including a Florida woman who has sued them for allegedly trafficking her to a foreign country, have welcomed the new investigation as a step toward accountability.

In summary, the Tate brothers’ legal woes continue to deepen as they face criminal investigations in multiple countries, including the U.S. While they deny all charges and insist on their innocence, their public statements and behavior have attracted intense scrutiny. As the Florida investigation unfolds, the brothers’ fate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the allegations against them have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice from victims and advocates alike.