Romanian prosecutors have filed a notice to seize $565,000 worth of Bitcoin (BTC) from controversial internet personality Andrew Tate. Apart from the 21 BTC, the prosecutors have also filed to seize 15 properties, 15 luxury vehicles, and 14 watches.
According to the authorities, Tate, his brother Tristan, and two Romanian women were indicted on charges of rape and human trafficking. The authorities said that the indictment follows an investigation that went on for six months.
The document mentioned that there were seven alleged victims, who were recruited by false promises. The claimed victims were transferred to facilities in the Romanian county of Ilfov, where they were intimidated, and subjected to continual control and surveillance. The women were reportedly made to participate in pornography by the accused, which was subsequently posted on social media. According to the statement, one suspect is accused of raping a woman twice in March 2022. Andrew Tate is known for being a proponent of Bitcoin (BTC), and has on many occasions praised the original crypto.
When will Andrew Tate’s trial begin, and what will happen to the seized Bitcoin?
The trial won’t begin right away and is anticipated to last several years. Currently, a Romanian court needs 60 days to review the case files before the matter may be tried.
The Tate brothers’ media team stated, “While this news is undoubtedly predictable, we embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence and vindicate their reputation.”
The seized assets, including the Bitcoin (BTC), will most likely remain with the authorities until the trial is completed. Additionally, there are other counts that are still being looked into and may result in a separate indictment. This involved the trafficking of minors and the laundering of money. The Tate brothers were initially detained at their residence in Bucharest in December 2022. They were placed under house arrest in March as a result of a Romanian judge’s decision.