Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, have left Romania for the United States.
It is not clear under what conditions the Tates were allowed to leave Romania. The brothers are charged with human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.
Newsweek has contacted a representative for Andrew Tate for comment.
What to Know
An official at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case, told The Associated Press the decision was at the discretion of prosecutors.
Vadim Ghirda/AP Photo
Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, said in a statement Thursday that prosecutors approved a “request to modify the obligation preventing the defendants from leaving Romania,” but that judicial control measures remained in place. The agency did not say who had made the request.
“These include the requirement to appear before judicial authorities whenever summoned,” the statement read. “The defendants have been warned that deliberately violating these obligations may result in judicial control being replaced with a stricter deprivation of liberty measure.”
Why It Matters
Andrew Tate, 38, and Tristan Tate, 36—who are dual U.S.-British citizens—had been banned from leaving the country amid legal proceedings against them. They were arrested alongside two Romanian women in December 2022 on charges of human trafficking, sexual misconduct and money laundering, all of which they deny. Andrew Tate also faces an additional rape charge.
Their case has garnered significant attention within right-wing social media circles, where they are portrayed as martyrs of political persecution. With a strong following in the “manosphere”—an online movement that promotes male dominance and opposes feminism—the brothers have become influential figures among conservative social media users.
Andrew Tate has previously said he would move back to the U.S. following Donald Trump’s election victory in November.
“MAGA!” he told Newsweek at the time.
AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File
Trump Administration Pressured Romania Over Tate Case: Reports
There were reports earlier this month that the Trump administration were pressuring the Romanian government to lift travel restrictions on the two brothers. A claim the Romanian prime minister previously denied.
The Financial Times reported on February 17 that U.S. officials initially broached the subject during a phone call with the Romanian government, advocating for the return of the Tates’ passports and permission for them to travel while awaiting court proceedings.
This diplomatic effort was further amplified when Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump’s U.S. envoy for special missions, met with Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference last week.
While Hurezeanu declined to comment on the specifics of their discussion, his spokesperson emphasized the independence of the Romanian judiciary, stating that courts operate based on the law and due process.
This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.