The investigation targets a post allegedly made on election day, raising significant legal questions for the Tate brothers amidst ongoing scrutiny.
Tristan Tate Under Investigation for Alleged Election Interference in Romania
Tristan Tate Under Investigation for Alleged Election Interference in Romania
Romanian authorities probe influencer Tristan Tate for violating election laws through social media postings.
Romanian law enforcement officials have initiated inquiries into Tristan Tate, a British-American influencer, following allegations that he violated electoral regulations by distributing political content on social media during Romania's recent presidential elections. Police sources confirm that the investigation focuses on a specific social media post Tate allegedly shared on the day of the elections, which contained either direct or indirect political messaging, a practice deemed illegal in Romania.
At 36, Tristan is the younger sibling of Andrew Tate, 38, a figure often described as controversial due to his misogynistic views. Together, the siblings boast a combined social media following exceeding 13 million, which is believed to have played a role in the scrutiny they are facing. This latest investigation has been initiated by Ilfov county police following an official complaint regarding Tate's social media activity.
Authorities allege that Tate may have aimed to sway voters through this post, potentially breaching laws against foreign interference and campaigning during designated prohibited periods. He has been summoned for questioning scheduled for Tuesday; noteworthy is that Andrew Tate is not implicated in this specific investigation.
In a recent video posted on X on election day, Tate defended his actions, claiming he was "not campaigning" and expressed that, as "an American man using an American platform in Dubai to discuss political matters," he believes he falls outside the jurisdiction of Romania's campaign restrictions.
The Tate brothers have faced intensified criticism in recent years for their controversial online presence, particularly regarding derogatory remarks aimed at women. Both brothers were arrested in Romania in December 2022, with Andrew facing accusations of rape and human trafficking and Tristan suspected of human trafficking as well. They have both repeatedly denied the allegations.
In August 2024, they were confronted with new charges in Romania, including sex with a minor and the trafficking of underage individuals, all of which they categorically deny. Furthermore, they are contending with 21 charges in the UK that encompass serious offenses like rape and human trafficking. Following an arrest warrant issued by Bedfordshire Police in March 2024, the Tates maintained their innocence, asserting they are "very innocent men."
Earlier this year, a Romanian court lifted a two-year travel ban against the siblings, allowing them to fly to Florida via private jet in February 2025. They returned to Romania the following month, publicly asserting that "innocent men don't run from anything."
