Who Is Andrew Tate?

Andrew Tate is a British-American social media influencer, former kickboxer and self-described entrepreneur who became one of the most searched individuals on the internet in 2022 and 2023. Born in Washington DC in 1986 and raised in Luton, England, Tate won multiple kickboxing world titles before building a large online following through his Hustlers University subscription platform and his outspoken views on masculinity, wealth and gender relations.

Tate is the central figure of what commentators have described as the manosphere — a loose network of online communities promoting traditional male dominance and, in its more extreme forms, hostility towards women. His content has been banned from multiple social media platforms, and he has faced legal proceedings in both Romania and the United Kingdom. Netflix released the documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere in March 2026, though Tate himself declined to participate.

What Are Andrew Tate’s Criminal Charges in Romania?

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate were arrested in Romania in December 2022 following a raid on their property near Bucharest. They face a range of serious criminal allegations in Romania, including human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime group. Romanian prosecutors allege that the brothers recruited women under false pretences, controlled them through a so-called loverboy method, and exploited them for financial gain through webcam operations and other means.

Both brothers have denied all allegations. After a prolonged period of detention and house arrest in Romania, they were permitted to leave the country in 2024 ahead of their criminal trial. The Romanian criminal proceedings were ongoing as of March 2026. In Romania, human trafficking involving adults can attract a prison sentence of up to 10 years, while rape can result in up to 18 years’ imprisonment.

Has Andrew Tate Been Charged With Any Crime in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced in September 2025 that it would not bring criminal charges against Andrew Tate in connection with allegations made by British women. The CPS concluded there was insufficient evidence to meet the threshold required for a realistic prospect of conviction under UK law. This means that as of March 2026, Andrew Tate faces no criminal charges in England or Wales.

The decision not to prosecute was controversial. Several of the women who had alleged abuse expressed frustration and disappointment, and campaigners called for a review of the decision. The CPS maintained that its decision was based on the evidence available and the legal test for prosecution.

What Is the UK Civil Trial in June 2026?

Although there are no criminal charges in the UK, Andrew Tate faces a significant civil lawsuit scheduled to begin on 22 June 2026 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The trial is expected to run until 21 July 2026. Four women, who have been granted anonymity by the court, are bringing claims against Tate alleging that between 2013 and 2015 he subjected them to rape, sexual assault, physical violence and coercive control.

It is important to understand the difference between civil and criminal proceedings. A civil trial is brought by the victims themselves, not by the state, and the outcome is a financial judgment rather than a prison sentence. Even if the claimants succeed entirely, Andrew Tate would not be imprisoned as a result of the UK civil proceedings. The civil standard of proof — the balance of probabilities — is also lower than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt.

What Prison Sentence Could Andrew Tate Face If Convicted in Romania?

If Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are convicted in the Romanian criminal proceedings, they could face substantial custodial sentences. Under Romanian law, the offences they are alleged to have committed carry the following maximum sentences:

• Human trafficking (adults): up to 10 years’ imprisonment
• Rape: up to 18 years’ imprisonment
• Forming an organised crime group: additional sentence enhancement

Romanian courts have the power to impose cumulative sentences where multiple offences are proved. Any sentence imposed would be served in a Romanian prison.

What Would UK Prison Sentences Be for Similar Offences?

For context, the equivalent offences under English and Welsh law carry the following maximum sentences:

• Rape: maximum life imprisonment under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Sentencing guidelines suggest a starting point of between 4 and 19 years depending on the level of culpability and harm caused.
• Sexual assault: maximum 10 years’ imprisonment under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
• Coercive or controlling behaviour: maximum 5 years’ imprisonment under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015, or up to 10 years under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in the most serious cases.
• Human trafficking: maximum life imprisonment under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

What Is Coercive Control and Is It a Crime in the UK?

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour through which a person seeks to take away the other person’s liberty or freedom and strip away their sense of self. It includes isolating someone from friends and family, monitoring their time, activities and online behaviour, controlling their finances, threatening or intimidating them, and degrading them. Coercive control was criminalised in England and Wales under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 and extended to non-cohabiting intimate partners and family members under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

A conviction for coercive control carries a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. The offence requires proof that the behaviour had a serious effect on the victim, meaning it either caused the victim to fear that violence would be used against them on at least two occasions, or it had a substantial adverse effect on the victim’s day-to-day activities. Several high-profile prosecutions of online influencers and content creators for coercive control offences have taken place in England and Wales in recent years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrew Tate and UK Criminal Law

Is Andrew Tate in prison in 2026?

No. As of March 2026, Andrew Tate is not in prison. He has not been convicted of any criminal offence in any jurisdiction. He was detained in Romania in late 2022 and placed under house arrest, but was permitted to leave Romania in 2024 ahead of his criminal trial. His Romanian criminal trial is ongoing. In the UK, the CPS decided in September 2025 not to bring criminal charges against him.

What is the difference between Andrew Tate’s UK civil case and a criminal trial?

The June 2026 UK case is a civil lawsuit brought by four women who allege rape, sexual assault and coercive control. A civil case is between private parties and does not involve the state prosecuting a defendant. The outcome of a civil case is financial compensation, not a prison sentence. A criminal case is brought by the Crown Prosecution Service and, if successful, can result in imprisonment.

What crimes are Andrew Tate accused of in Romania?

In Romania, Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan face allegations of human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime group. Both brothers have denied all allegations. The maximum sentence for human trafficking adults in Romania is up to 10 years, and for rape up to 18 years.

What is the sentence for coercive control in the UK?

Coercive or controlling behaviour is an offence under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 and carries a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment. In the most serious cases, involving a pattern of severe abuse, sentences at or close to the maximum have been imposed. Courts follow Sentencing Council guidelines which set out starting points based on the level of harm and culpability.

Could Andrew Tate still face criminal charges in the UK?

While the CPS decided in September 2025 not to charge Andrew Tate in the UK, this does not preclude future proceedings if new evidence emerges. The CPS can revisit a charging decision if significant new evidence comes to light that was not available at the time of the original decision. There is no double jeopardy bar on bringing proceedings for the first time against someone who has previously been investigated but not charged.