A video circulating online appears to show controversial influencer Andrew Tate attempting to pass his mobile phone to a member of his entourage moments after he was arrested by US Marshals in Miami.In the footage, the 39-year-old can be seen apparently handing the device to a member of his team, who drops it before another person retrieves it. It remains unclear whether US authorities ultimately recovered the phone following the arrest.
Arrest linked to UK extradition request
Andrew Tate and his younger brother, Tristan Tate, 38, were taken into custody in Miami on Saturday by the US Marshals Service. The arrests were made in connection with a request from British authorities, who are seeking the brothers’ extradition to face criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.The US Marshals Service confirmed the arrests but has not publicly disclosed the charges, with the arrest warrant remaining under seal.
Fresh charges filed in Britain
The arrests came after Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised a fresh set of charges against the brothers.Andrew Tate has been charged with seven additional counts of rape, along with offences related to sex trafficking and indecent images of a child.Before the latest charges, he was already facing allegations including rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain.Tristan Tate has been charged with two additional counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation. He was already facing charges including rape, actual bodily harm and human trafficking.Together, the brothers now face dozens of charges linked to multiple alleged victims. They have denied all allegations against them.
Romania case still ongoing
The Tate brothers, who have lived in Romania since 2016, are also under separate criminal investigation there over allegations including rape, human trafficking, organised crime and money laundering. They have denied wrongdoing in that case as well.Romanian authorities had previously indicated they would not extradite the brothers to the UK until domestic legal proceedings were concluded. British prosecutors subsequently moved to pursue action after learning the brothers had travelled to the United States.
Lawyer calls arrest ‘political’
The brothers’ attorney, Joseph D. McBride, described the arrests as politically motivated, alleging they were the result of an abuse of authority.He said the defence was confident the brothers would successfully challenge the case and argued that the United States should not carry out what he characterised as Britain’s “political dirty work.”British authorities are expected to submit a formal extradition request, which the Tate brothers, who hold both British and American citizenship, can challenge in US courts.
