Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Tuesday that his office has launched a criminal investigation into Andrew and Tristan Tate, the two influencers who arrived last week from Romania, where they are being prosecuted for rape and human trafficking, Axios reports.
James Uthmeier, recently appointed as Florida’s attorney general by Governor Ron DeSantis, stated that he has initiated an “active criminal investigation” into the Tate brothers and is prepared to use “the full force of the law” to examine their actions. He also confirmed that his office has issued and executed subpoenas and warrants as part of the ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday, Andrew Tate spoke about leaving Romania during a U.S.-based podcast:
“I don’t know if Trump pressured anyone, but I’d like to believe that.” The British millionaire also claimed he would return to Romania, as agreed with the DIICOT prosecutor.
Andrew and Tristan Tate left Romania on February 27 after DIICOT prosecutors lifted their travel ban. They are being investigated in two criminal cases for organized crime, human trafficking, and rape. The two are required to report to the police on March 24 as part of their judicial supervision.
The prosecutor’s decision to allow them to travel to the U.S. came ten days after Financial Times reported that the Trump administration was allegedly pressuring Romania to let the Tate brothers leave.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated last week that the Tate brothers are not welcome in his state and that the attorney general will investigate whether any of their alleged crimes fall under Florida’s jurisdiction.
Andrew Tate Responds: “Absolute Communism”
In response, Andrew Tate accused U.S. authorities of “absolute communism.”
“Absolute communism. I’ve been in America for five days. I sat on my laptop and did a podcast. Madness. I’m extremely disappointed in the United States. This is not the America I know. It’s a sad, very sad day for America. Trying to find crimes for an innocent man. I’m not afraid. I’m just disappointed,” Tate wrote on his X account.