The controversial British-American internet personality was questioned by Romanian authorities in April.
Andrew Tate, a British-American kickboxer who became an internet celebrity, and his brother have been detained in Romania as part of an investigation into alleged human trafficking.
Tate and his brother Tristian will be detained for questioning within 24 hours, according to Romanian prosecutors.
Footage broadcast on Romanian television on Thursday night showed Tate, one of the most famous and divisive influencers, being led into a police car by armed police.
Romania’s Directorate of Organized Crime and Terrorism Investigation did not name any suspects but said in a statement that four individuals – two UK nationals and two Romanian nationals – were accused of having formed a criminal group to carry out human trafficking in Romania and other countries. countries including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Investigators have identified six alleged victims of sexual exploitation by this group, which lured the women by expressing an interest in a romantic relationship prior to use. physical violence, intimidation and surveillance to compel them to produce pornographic material, the board said.
The investigation involved allegations of organizing a criminal group, human trafficking and rape, the board of directors said.
In April, the Tate brothers were questioned by Romanian authorities after it was reported that an American woman had been detained against her will but both were released without arrest.
Andrew Tate later said in a YouTube video that he was “pranked” by someone who made a false report and that he was “completely innocent”.
Tate’s detention comes a day after his back-and-forth on Twitter with climate activist Greta Thunberg exploded on the internet.
Tate, who has racked up billions of views on social media with his lifestyle videos featuring fast cars, exotic localities and beautiful women, has been banned on Facebook. , Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for expressing extreme views, including that women bear some responsibility for sexual assault.
Tate’s Twitter is among a number of controversial accounts that have been reinstated after a self-described liberal autocrat Elon Musk bought the platform in October.
