Florida has initiated a criminal investigation involving British-American YouTubers Andrew and Tristan Tate. The brothers, known online for their inflammatory comments, had recently traveled from Romania to Florida. In Romania, they were confronted with charges of rape and human trafficking.

Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has stated that investigators have obtained search warrants and subpoenas as part of this active investigation. This action comes after a review of evidence collected.

In the United States, the Tates are also defendants in a civil suit filed by a woman who claims they coerced her into engaging in commercial sex and then defamed her after she testified to Romanian authorities. They refute all accusations directed at them.

Andrew Tate, 38, and Tristan Tate, 36, face similar allegations in the UK, including rape and human trafficking charges, which they also deny. Uthmeier, a Republican, directed his office to probe into the brothers’ activities last week.

Tate’s lawyer, Joseph McBride, criticized the attorney general for taking a stance on the matter, calling his actions “unethical.” The brothers were previously detained in Romania on allegations of human trafficking and rape, which they denied. They were placed under house arrest for months and face new charges of sex with a minor and trafficking underaged individuals.

Romanian authorities expect the brothers to return to Bucharest at the end of March, but the lawyer’s statement suggests uncertainty about their compliance. Andrews is also wanted in the UK for separate charges of rape, human trafficking, and tax evasion. Four UK women have also filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew Tate, alleging rape and coercive control, allegations he denies. These plaintiffs argued for the UK to take action as criminal prosecution in Romania seems unlikely.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9dx5d1g5lo