Miami, FL — Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested Saturday in Miami after British authorities sought their extradition to face rape and human trafficking charges stemming from alleged crimes between 2010 and 2017.
The brothers, who hold dual U.S. and British citizenship, were taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service on a sealed warrant, according to agency spokesperson Brady McCarron. The arrests mark the latest development in a years-long international legal battle involving investigations in both Romania and the United Kingdom.
British prosecutors seek extradition
British prosecutors announced Saturday they are seeking the Tates’ extradition to face charges alleging they raped and trafficked women in an area north of London, where the brothers grew up.
The allegations involve conduct that prosecutors say occurred between 2010 and 2017. Attorneys representing Andrew and Tristan Tate have previously said the brothers deny the accusations.
A person familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly, said the brothers are expected to make their first appearance in federal court in Miami early next week.
Romanian investigation preceded U.S. arrest
Andrew and Tristan Tate moved to Romania in 2016 and were arrested there in 2022 as part of an investigation into allegations that they participated in schemes to recruit women for sexual exploitation.
The brothers denied those allegations, and the Romanian case did not proceed after courts identified legal and procedural irregularities.
Influencers with a global following
Andrew Tate built one of the internet’s largest followings by promoting messages centered on wealth, masculinity, and male dominance, making him one of the world’s most controversial online personalities. Alongside his brother Tristan, he has amassed millions of followers across multiple social media platforms despite repeated bans and account suspensions.
The arrests in Miami now place the United States at the center of the extradition process as British authorities seek to bring the brothers to the United Kingdom to answer the charges.
