The controversial Muslim British-American social media influencer Andrew Tate will be held in detention in Romania for 30 days as part of an investigation into human trafficking and rape.
Tate was arrested alongside his brother Tristan on Thursday. Authorities suspect the pair, along with two Romanian men, of running “an organised crime group” – which they deny.
The Tates’ lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, said they would appeal against the detention.
“We are not at a stage where guilt or innocence is proven, for now we only discuss preventive measures,” he said.
During the detention hearing, the two brothers maintained their right to silence.
Tate, 36, has yet to comment directly on the accusations, but after being detained a tweet was sent by an admin from his Twitter account saying: “The Matrix sent their agents.”
And earlier today his account tweeted: “God is on our side, so the Matrix will not win. Inshallah.”
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On Thursday night, Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism issued a statement, but did not name the Tate brothers, stating that two British citizens and two Romanian citizens were suspected of being part of a human trafficking group.
The statement said officers had identified six people who were allegedly “sexually exploited” by what it called an “organised criminal group.”
Police alleged the victims were “recruited” by the British citizens, who they said had misrepresented their intention to enter into a relationship with the victims.
They were later forced to perform in pornographic content under threat of violence, the statement alleged.
Born in the U.S. before moving to the UK, Mr Tate went on to have a successful career as a kickboxer.
Despite social media bans he gained popularity, particularly among young men, by promoting an ultra-masculine, ultra-luxurious lifestyle.
Tate moved to Romania five years ago and converted to Islam earlier this year.
