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British-American social media personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate have arrived in the United States after Romanian prosecutors lifted their two-year travel ban, according to a BBC report.
The brothers, who face serious charges in Romania, including human trafficking and forming an organised crime group, flew out of Bucharest early on Thursday and landed in Florida.
Andrew, 38, and Tristan, 36, have denied all accusations against them. On arrival, Andrew told reporters, “We live in a democratic society where it’s innocent until proven guilty… My brother and I are largely misunderstood.”
Despite their departure, Romanian prosecutors made it clear that the case against them remains active. The brothers are still under judicial control, meaning they must report to authorities and are expected to return to Romania.
The BBC report highlights concerns that political pressure may have influenced Romania’s decision. Some critics claim the Trump administration may have played a role in allowing the brothers to travel to the US.
However, when asked about it, US President Donald Trump said: “I know nothing about that. I don’t know, you’re saying he’s on a plane right now?”
Apart from the Romanian case, the Tate brothers face legal troubles in both the UK and the US. In the UK, they are being investigated for rape and human trafficking.
In the US, a woman has accused them of coercing her into sex work and then defaming her after she testified in Romania. The BBC report also mentions that four British women have filed a civil case against Andrew Tate, accusing him of rape and coercive control.
Romanian politician Elena Lasconi, who is running for president, criticised the decision to allow the Tates to leave. “I am outraged! As a woman, a human being and a Romanian.”
She has called for the resignation of the head of Romania’s organised crime investigations directorate (DIICOT).
A lawyer for the Tate brothers, Joseph McBride, said they will return to Romania at the end of March to meet prosecutors before coming back to the US.
“They feel secure in America… The primary reason being that Donald Trump is the president.”
While their assets, including luxury cars, properties, and bank accounts, have been returned to them, prosecutors have warned that if they fail to comply with their legal obligations, they could face further restrictions.
Romania, a European Union and NATO member, has an extradition treaty with the United States, making their future uncertain.
(with inputs from BBC)
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