Tax Evasion and Court Findings
The Devon and Cornwall Police, who initiated the case, argued that the Tates had concealed their income and failed to comply with tax obligations in the UK and Romania, where they have lived since 2017. The funds targeted for seizure, which include cryptocurrency holdings, were frozen across seven accounts.
As reported by Reuters, Judge Goldspring stated in his written ruling, “I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that they have engaged in long-standing, deliberate conduct in order to evade their tax/VAT liabilities in both jurisdictions.” He also dismissed claims by the brothers’ lawyers that their financial activities were legitimate, noting a lack of evidence to support those assertions.
The court heard that Andrew Tate had publicly admitted to not paying taxes in the UK. A lawyer for Devon and Cornwall Police quoted Tate as saying, “When I lived in England, I refused to pay tax.”
Ties to Romanian Allegations
Some of the seized funds are linked to allegations of human trafficking and other criminal activities in Romania. Romanian prosecutors claim the brothers formed a criminal gang and exploited victims through false promises of love and marriage. The case involves seven alleged victims, and both Andrew and Tristan Tate deny the charges.
Judge Goldspring observed that one of the accounts in question was used for payments related to the Romanian allegations. “I am satisfied that this account is used for payments connected to female complainants in the Romanian allegations and also significant payments to co-defendants in the Romanian criminal proceedings,” he said.The court also noted that the Tates had transferred $12 million into an account held by a third individual identified as “J.” Despite her lack of involvement in their businesses, another account was opened in her name. Police believe these accounts were fronts used to channel income and evade taxes.
Andrew Tate’s Reaction
Following the ruling, Andrew Tate strongly criticised the decision, calling it an “outright theft.” In a statement, he said, “First, they labelled me a human trafficker, yet they couldn’t find a single woman to stand against me. When that narrative crumbled, they turned to outright theft — freezing my accounts for over two years and now seizing everything they could. This is not justice, it’s a coordinated attack on anyone who dares to challenge the system.”
He also described the ruling as part of a broader conspiracy, stating, “Speak against the matrix, and they’ll come for your freedom, your reputation, and your livelihood.”
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer, is a dual British-US citizen with over 10 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). Despite bans from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for alleged hate speech and misogynistic content, he continues to maintain a significant online presence.
The brothers’ businesses include War Room, Hustlers’ University, Cobra Tate, and content on platforms like OnlyFans. Prosecutors argue that their earnings are disproportionate to their lack of formal qualifications, business assets, or intellectual property, further supporting claims of tax evasion and money laundering.
In June 2023, Romanian prosecutors charged the brothers with human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang. Bedfordshire Police in the UK are also seeking their extradition for separate allegations. However, Romanian courts will first handle the ongoing case.
Devon and Cornwall Police expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. A spokesperson stated, “From the outset, we have aimed to demonstrate that Andrew and Tristan Tate evaded taxes and laundered money through bank accounts located in Devon. Both individuals are alleged to have concealed the origins of their income by channelling money through ‘front’ accounts, constituting criminal activity and rendering those earnings proceeds of crime.”
The force added that further comments would be withheld until the 28-day appeal period concludes.
(With inputs from Reuters)
