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A case against controversial influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate over allegations including human trafficking cannot go to trial in its current form, a Romanian court has ruled.
On Thursday, the Bucharest Court of Appeal accepted the brothers’ challenge and returned the case to prosecutors for further review.
It is the second time the court has returned the case to prosecutors, who now have five days to amend the indictment or drop the charges.
The Tate brothers, ages 37 and 36, are accused of human trafficking and forming an organized group to sexually exploit women. They have strongly denied the charges.
In November, the same court found “irregularities” in the accusation against them, forcing prosecutors to modify their brief.
At that time, the court also withdrew several pieces of evidence, considering some statements from alleged victims inadmissible.
The brothers’ successful appeal Thursday marks another setback for prosecutors.
The dual British and American nationals are accused of exploiting women through an adult content business, which prosecutors say operated as a criminal enterprise.
The indictment published in June last year also names two Romanian associates, who identify seven alleged victims.
Andrew Tate describes himself as a misogynist and was previously banned from social media platforms for expressing such views.
The former kickboxer has gained millions of followers on social media for his politics, where he has also often shown an eye-catching lifestyle in videos.
He has been living in Romania for several years after previously residing in the UK.
Following the ruling in his favor on Thursday, he issued a statement saying: “They have had years to build their case, years to destroy my life, attack everyone I know and even subpoena my son’s mother. And yet , to have nothing.”
He added: “This is all a lie and I will fight to the end to expose it and prove my innocence.”
His brother Tristan said: “If there’s not enough evidence to go to trial after all these years, that means there was never enough evidence.”
Romania’s prosecutor’s office, known as DIICOT, has not yet commented on the ruling.
In August, it said it had launched a second criminal investigation against the Tate brothers over new allegations of child trafficking, sexual relations with a minor and money laundering.
UK police are also seeking the extradition of the Tate brothers in connection with allegations of rape and human trafficking. They have also been accused of tax evasion.
The Tate brothers have denied those allegations.
