TALLAHASSEE, USA — Florida authorities have opened a criminal investigation into British-American social media personalities Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate, days after the brothers arrived in the state from Romania, where they face rape and human trafficking charges.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, that investigators had issued search warrants and subpoenas as part of a “now-active” inquiry into the controversial influencers.
“Last week, I directed my office to work with our law enforcement partners to conduct a preliminary inquiry into Andrew and Tristan Tate,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
“Based on a thorough review of the evidence, I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to execute search warrants and issue subpoenas in the now-active criminal investigation into the Tate brothers.”
The specific nature of the Florida investigation remains unclear, but the Tates also face a civil suit in the U.S. from a woman who alleges they coerced her into sex work and then defamed her after she provided evidence to Romanian prosecutors.
Tate Brothers Deny Allegations
The brothers’ attorney, Joseph McBride, condemned the Florida attorney general’s move, calling it “biased” and “inflammatory.”
“Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier threw ethics law out of the window when he publicly took a side in an ongoing Florida lawsuit where Andrew and Tristan Tate are suing a Florida woman for orchestrating a sophisticated plot to use sex as a weapon to ruin their lives,” McBride said in a statement.
International Legal Battles
The Tate brothers, aged 38 and 36, are currently facing legal trouble on multiple fronts, with active cases in Romania, the UK, and the U.S.
In Romania, the two were first arrested in December 2022 on rape and human trafficking charges. After months under house arrest, new allegations emerged in August 2024, including claims of sex with a minor and trafficking underage persons, all of which they deny.
In the UK, Bedfordshire police are seeking Andrew Tate’s extradition on separate and unrelated charges of rape, human trafficking, and tax evasion.
Four British women have also filed a civil case in the UK High Court, accusing Andrew Tate of rape and coercive control.
The Tate brothers deny all allegations and claim they are the targets of a politically motivated campaign.
Legal Uncertainty Over Return to Romania
The brothers are expected to return to Bucharest at the end of March to comply with Romanian prosecutors’ requirements.
However, it remains uncertain whether they will leave the U.S. voluntarily or face extradition proceedings.
With investigations now spanning three countries, legal experts suggest the Tate brothers’ movements and ongoing legal strategy will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
