Romanian authorities have opened an investigation against influencer Tristan Tate, accused of violating electoral legislation during the presidential elections through a political post on social networks.
According to police sources cited by BBC, the investigation is being carried out by the Ilfov County Police Inspectorate following an official complaint.
The investigation focuses on a post made on the day of the vote, containing explicit or implicit political messages, which is prohibited by Romanian legislation during the electoral restrictions period.
Tristan Tate, 36 years old, is the younger brother of Andrew Tate, both being controversial influencers with over 13 million followers on social networks. Both are already under investigation in Romania in another complex case involving accusations of human trafficking and rape, which they deny.
In the new case, investigators are analyzing whether the social media post could constitute an attempt to influence voters or a form of foreign electoral interference.
Tristan Tate was summoned for questioning on Tuesday.
According to official sources, his brother Andrew is not involved in this investigation.
BBC notes that Tate's representatives have not yet provided an official statement, and he has not issued a public statement regarding the investigation.
However, in a video clip posted on election day on platform X, Tristan Tate states that he is not campaigning and that, being "an American, on an American platform, in Dubai," he is not "subject to the Romanian law on electoral campaigning."
In addition to the current investigation, the Tate brothers face other serious allegations in Romania, including sexual relations with minors and human trafficking. In the United Kingdom, the two are facing 21 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and bodily harm.
A Romanian court has ruled that their extradition to the United Kingdom can only take place after the completion of judicial procedures in Romania.
Despite being banned from leaving the country, in February 2025, the Tate brothers left for the USA, after the surprising lifting of the travel restriction. They returned in March, stating that "innocent people do not run from anything."
B.B.