BUCHAREST — Internet personality Andrew Tate said Wednesday that there is no justice in Romania and that the case file against him in a criminal investigation into alleged human trafficking and rape is empty.
Tate, his brother Tristan, and two Romanian female suspects have been in police custody since December 29 on charges of forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, an allegation they deny. are doing.
On Thursday, a Romanian court extended their detention until February 27. Prosecutors said the Tate brothers recruited victims by seducing them and falsely claiming they wanted a relationship or marriage.
Victims were then taken to a facility on the outskirts of the capital, Bucharest, where they were sexually exploited through physical violence and psychological intimidation, and forced to deliver pornographic content for social media sites that generated large amounts of financial gain. made, the prosecutor said.
They also said Andrew Tate, a former professional kickboxer of US and British nationality, raped one of his victims last March, which he denied.
“They know we’ve done nothing wrong,” Tate told reporters for further questioning by anti-organized crime prosecutors. “This file is completely empty.” Of course it is unjust and unfortunately there is no justice in Romania.”
When asked if he had ever hurt a woman, Tate replied, “Of course not.”
Earlier this month, Romanian authorities said they had seized goods and money worth 18 million lei ($3.99 million), including luxury cars and real estate, as part of an investigation.
“There is no evidence against me,” Tristan Tate told reporters Wednesday. “The authorities plan to steal my car and steal my money. That’s why I’m in jail.” am.”
Prosecutors said the seizure was to prevent the concealment of assets.
The Tates “have confidence in their defense, have confidence in the evidence in their favor, have made detailed statements and have cooperated. [with authorities]’, their lawyer Eugen Vidineac told reporters after questioning.
“I believe the defense is starting to take shape.”