Romania’s new Justice Minister, Radu Marinescu, is about to oversee the prosecution of the Tate brothers. Before we celebrate, here’s a look at the kind of cases he used to take on. 🧵 Between 2021–2023, Marinescu was the defence lawyer for a man indicted for attempted murder — after allegedly trying to drown his wife in a jacuzzi.

Official police statement regarding the inquiry into Tristan Tate’s alleged interference in the electoral process: On May 4th of this year, a 36-year-old individual allegedly posted messages on a social media platform that may constitute possible contraventions under Law 370/2004 regarding presidential elections.

🧵Why Trafficking Victims Often Deny Being Victims

A common claim:

“One of the women DIICOT classifies as a ‘victim’ of Tristan Tate has personally denied it — proving the official count is inflated.”

Let’s break down why this is misleading — legally and psychologically. 👇 In human trafficking cases, it’s very common for victims not to perceive themselves as victims.

Why?

Because traffickers often use manipulation, coercion, and psychological control — creating what’s known as trauma bonding. This distorts the victim’s sense of reality.

🧵Last night , the Constitutional Court ruled that politicians and top public officials no longer have to make their asset declarations public. Yes, they’re now private. Here’s what’s happening now in Romania 👇 Until recently, these declarations were detailed and online: real estate, cars, jewelry, bank accounts, stocks—you name it. Now? One state institution (The National Agency for Integrity - ANI) will just say if someone “submitted” the form, if it’s “complete” or not. That’s it!

🔴 NEW — Statement from Andrew & Tristan Tate’s legal team (Holborn Adams):

A number of allegations in Romania have already been dropped. Once proceedings conclude there, “The Tates will return to face UK allegations.”

🧵 2/ On the UK case:

“UK prosecutors refuse to give even the most basic information to allow our clients to understand the allegations which they face.”

“Our clients are not even being told who the supposed victims are.”

Prosecutors from DIICOT have agreed to bring forward the next hearing with the Tate brothers from 28 May to Friday, 23 May, after the pair claimed they “have commitments and need to leave the country”, sources close to the investigation have told me this morning. 1/6 This marks at least the second time when Romanian authorities have accommodated travel requests from the two British nationals. Honestly, how is this possible? 2/6

Andrew and Tristan Tate are under federal criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) — one of the toughest prosecutorial offices in the country. Here’s what we know so far:

This was revealed in a Florida civil case the brothers are involved in. Specifically, a filing made on Friday in Palm Beach County.

1/10: One of the girls caught in Morel Bolea’s trap has finally spoken out. Iuliana Dup, 26, is the first to break her silence and publicly accuse him of rape, abuse, and brutal manipulation. 🧵 2/10: Imagine being lured in at 13 with dreams of a glamorous modeling career, only to spend 12 years trapped in what turned out to be a living hell. That’s exactly what happened to Iuliana, who escaped in 2024 from an isolated house in Vorovești, near Iași, Romania.

The Rising Toll of Online Misogyny

1/ New polling commissioned by Amnesty International UK exposes just how deep online misogyny runs in Gen Z’s digital spaces. The numbers are staggering—and the consequences are dire. 🧵 2/ A shocking 73% of Gen Z social media users have witnessed misogynistic content online. HALF see it at least once a week.

🧵 Judicial Control in the Tate Case: What It Means & How Long It Can Last

Judicial control (control judiciar) is a legal measure under Romanian law that restricts a suspect’s freedom without placing them in detention. It’s defined in Article 211 of the Romanian Criminal Procedure Code and is often used as an alternative to pre-trial arrest.

1/ 🧵 Andrew & Tristan Tate Case: A Recap

On Tuesday, Andrew & Tristan Tate appeared at DIICOT, where prosecutors extended their judicial control for another 60 days. Here’s where things stand in their ongoing legal battles. 👇 / The Tate brothers are under investigation in two separate DIICOT cases in Romania. Charges include:
🔹 Human trafficking
🔹 Trafficking of a minor
🔹 Sexual exploitation
🔹 Forming an organized crime group

1/ 🧵 Given the reactions to my recent post about Andrew Tate’s DIICOT appearance, I want to clarify a few key points—including a correction on the new judicial control terms. Let’s break it down. 👇 2/ This morning, the Tate brothers showed up at DIICOT to sign an extension of their judicial control. Initially, I stated that under the new terms, they must report to the police every two months. That was incorrect.

🧵 1/8 I want to clarify some recent public claims regarding the Romanian case involving the Tate brothers, especially the "5-day deadline" they’ve mentioned. This misinformation can create confusion for those following the case. 2/8 The Tate brothers have stated that the case against them will be dropped 5 days after the court’s ruling on November 19, 2024. However, this interpretation is incorrect and inconsistent with Romanian criminal procedure.

1/5 Tate case: tomorrow is the date of the decision of the appeal on the preliminary chamber. 

The decision does not require attendance at the Court, so the brothers won’t go to court, according to Mateea Petrescu, their spokesperson.

Three possible outcomes: 2/5 • The acceptance of the appeal and the case being sent back to DIICOT for re-investigation. 

 • The rejection of the appeal and the upholding of the preliminary chamber court’s decision to send the case to trial.

🚨 #BREAKING: Romania is gearing up for some significant reforms in human trafficking laws! Big changes on the horizon! 👀 🧵 1/7 🚨 Joint committee of the Romanian Parliament has teamed up with the International Justice Mission (IJM) and ANAIS Association to propose significant amendments to the law on human trafficking. New legislative efforts are in motion!

Romania: out of 5 reported sexual offenses to the police, 4 end without any charges being brought against a perpetrator. 1/4 In practice, only 1 out of 5 rape reports filed by victims at national police stations and turned into cases under investigation by prosecutors' offices or courts result in charges being brought against a perpetrator (official report) 2/4

🧵 Victims' testimonies play a significant role in human trafficking cases. However, the legal system also considers other factors and evidence to ensure a comprehensive and fair trial. Below, some key aspects of 🇷🇴 jurisdiction: 1. Legal framework: Romania has specific legislation that addresses human trafficking, such as Law No. 678/2001 on preventing and combating trafficking. This law outlines the definition of human trafficking, criminalises related activities, and establishes penalties.

From court documents in the Andrew Tate case: “After the replacement of preventive custodial measures, the named Andrew and Tristan TATE began to approach all the girls they had sexually exploited in the past who had not been detained in the first accusation.” 1/5 Victim, 15yo: “Andrew said that he hopes that when I go to DIICOT I will declare only good things about him, as X (name withheld by me) did, for this he offered me the sum of 5000 euros, but he only gave me the equivalent in pounds of the sum of 2500 euros, cash.” 2/5

🚨 Breaking News 🚨

OK, we have some new updates on the Tate case from DIICOT, with a total number of victims (35) and details of the alleged crimes. Long thread, but worth it. Prosecutors from the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism have ordered the detention of 6 defendants for serious crimes including forming an organized criminal group, human trafficking, and more.

Full DIICOT press release translated below:

“*HOME SEARCHES IN A CRIMINAL CASE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING*

Today, August 21 this year, the police officers of the Ilfov Organized Crime Fighting Service - Bucharest Organized Crime Fighting Brigade, together with the prosecutors of the Organized Crime and Terrorism Investigation Directorate - Central Structure, implemented 4 home search warrants, in Ilfov county and Bucharest municipality.