Masked police officers in Romania have carried out fresh raids at the home of internet influencer Andrew Tate, who is awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Masked police officers in Romania carried out fresh raids early Wednesday at the home of divisive internet influencer Andrew Tate, who is awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.

Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, said it was searching four homes in the counties of Bucharest and nearby Ilfov, investigating allegations of human trafficking, the trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements and money laundering. The agency added that hearings will later be held at its headquarters.

Tate’s spokesperson, Mateea Petrescu, said in response to the raids that “although the charges in the search warrant are not yet fully clarified, they include suspicions of human trafficking and money laundering” and added that his legal team is present. Petrescu did not address the allegations involving minors.

    • Flying Squid
      40•3 months ago

      When I was 19 or 20, I got caught driving without insurance (don’t do this) and my license was suspended for six months. Maybe two years later, my friend got pulled over on a DUI. He spent maybe an hour in jail before his parents bailed him out and got his license suspended for six weeks.

      Like I said, don’t drive without insurance, but I think I was a hell of a lot less likely to kill someone with my car than he was.

      • @Windex007@lemmy.world
        8•3 months ago

        It’s obscene the revoke a license for insurance. I can understand a fine, maybe impounding the uninsured vehicle until you have proof of insurance… But suspending the license? That’s fucked.

        • Flying Squid
          8•3 months ago

          I don’t disagree with you. And six months was ridiculously excessive.

          Of course, I had to go to work, and the bus didn’t even remotely come close to my job, so I drove anyway. I didn’t have a choice. I just hoped I didn’t get pulled over again, which I thankfully did not.