Romanian Prosecutors Indict Andrew and Tristan Tate on Money Laundering and Trafficking Charges

Romanian prosecutors have formally indicted Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate in a case that includes allegations of money laundering linked to proceeds from the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) as reported by Reuters and AP on September 4, 2026.

Andrew Tate, 39, has been charged with offences including trafficking a minor, continued money laundering, sexual acts with a minor and attempting to influence statements. Tristan Tate, 38, has been charged with complicity in trafficking a minor, continued money laundering and attempting to influence statements.

Prosecutors allege more than $1.2 million in exploitation proceeds

DIICOT alleges that the brothers recruited a 15-year-old girl in Luton, England, in 2012 and later exploited her through an online webcam business after repeatedly transporting her to Romania. Prosecutors say more than US$1.2 million was generated from the victim’s webcam activity.

The case also includes allegations that between December 2023 and July 2024 the brothers attempted to conceal or disguise the illicit origin of money obtained from human trafficking by purchasing four luxury vehicles worth approximately €825,000. Prosecutors have requested confiscation of the vehicles.

Andrew Tate is separately accused of repeatedly engaging in sexual acts with another 15-year-old victim between December 2020 and mid-2021. Prosecutors also allege that victims were paid or intimidated in attempts to influence them not to give statements or to provide false statements.

New indictment follows earlier procedural setback

The Romanian investigation dates back to December 2022, when the brothers were first arrested in Bucharest. They were initially indicted in 2023, but a Romanian court returned that case to DIICOT in 2024 after identifying legal and procedural irregularities and excluding some evidence. The latest indictment represents a new prosecutorial stage rather than a conviction.

The brothers, who hold U.S. and British citizenship, were arrested in Miami in July 2026 following a separate United Kingdom extradition request involving sex-crime allegations. They have denied the Romanian allegations.

The Romanian case remains subject to judicial review. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until guilt is established by a court.

From a financial-crime perspective, the case is notable because prosecutors are treating the alleged acquisition of high-value luxury vehicles as part of the laundering conduct, illustrating the use of movable luxury assets to convert and potentially conceal proceeds from predicate crimes.