Andrew Tate under house arrest after shock detainment over 'sex with minor allegations'

DIICOT said it was investigating the brothers over alleged trafficking of minors, human trafficking, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements and money laundering.

Officers were able to detain Tate and his brother Tristan for 24 hours overnight on Wednesday.

A judge later opted to place Andrew under house arrest, with Tristan not facing similar restrictions.

However, it is not yet known whether Tristan can leave Romania or Bucharest.

Romanian police searched four properties in Bucharest and Ilfov county during its latest inquiries.

A Tate spokesperson told The Sun: "Andrew Tate has been placed under house arrest and his brother, Tristan under judiciary control in a decision issued by the judge at the Tribunal of Bucharest, today August 22, at 7.30pm.

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"DIICOT had placed a request for 30 days preventive arrest for both brothers, but the judge has denied the request given the brothers’ behaviour while previously under preventative measures.

"The Tates salute the decision and firmly deny all allegations levelled against them, emphasising that the accusations are baseless and unsupported by substantial evidence.

"They will continue to comply with the due course of justice and remain steadfast in proving their innocence.”

DIICOT was investigating claims a 17-year-old girl was trafficked to Britain and forced to "perform sexual acts in order to produce pornographic material".

The elite unit announced one of the alleged victims, 17, was "misled" and housed in several locations across both Romania and the UK.

Romanian police also claim a defendant had "sexual relations" with a 15-year-old from December 2020.

Authorities in Bucharest suggest there could be a total of 34 alleged victims.

Prosecutors have also claimed the defendants pocketed $2.8million (£2.1million) "from the sexual exploitation of the victims".

The Tates were first detained in December 2022 along with two women on suspicion of human trafficking, rape, and forming an organised crime group.