Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested in US & charged with multiple counts of rape – as they face being hauled to UK

ANDREW and Tristan Tate have been arrested in the US and charged with several more counts of rape – as the brothers now face extradition to the UK. The controversial influencers, aged 39 and 38, have been hit with dozens of fresh charges involving four alleged victims in Britain. Self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew faces 32 new charges, while Tristan has been handed an additional six, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced early on Sunday. The confirmation came shortly after their arrest by US officials in Miami at about 4pm local time. The brothers are also facing legal proceedings in Romania, where they currently live. The pair have previously “unequivocally” denied wrongdoing, with Andrew describing himself and his brother as “very innocent men”. READ MORE UK NEWS Andrew has been charged with seven further counts of rape, three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 19 additional charges for offences relating to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography. His younger brother Tristan has been charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation. The alleged offences took place between July 2010 and August 2017, according to the CPS. UK prosecutors will now be seeking extradition in relation to the pair’s original 21 charges – as well as the new ones announced today. Most read in The Sun Bedfordshire Police said they are continuing to investigate a number of other offences reported to both them and Hertfordshire Constabulary. In total, the pair now face 59 charges – 42 of which have been authorised against Andrew and 17 for Tristan. Their arrest came just hours before Andrew was set to co-host a bareknuckle boxing event. Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “We have decided to prosecute Andrew and Tristan Tate for further offences including rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation and offences relating to indecent images of a child. “These charging decisions followed receipt of a further file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police and bring the total number of alleged victims in this case to seven.” He added: “The CPS has requested the extradition of the Tates from the US. “They have been arrested and await extradition proceedings to the UK.” Assistant Chief Constable Karena Thomas at Bedfordshire Police said: “Officers from our major crime unit have been working closely alongside the Crown Prosecution Service and both national and international law enforcement agencies as part of this complex investigation. “We understand the interest that this case will generate, but we would urge the public not to speculate and to allow the legal process to be carried out correctly. “There is no place for male violence against women and girls, and we will continue to work tirelessly to support victims and investigate all reports made to us.” It comes after police re-opened a rape probe into Andrew after the original case was dropped. In 2015, officers in Hertfordshire launched an investigation into the former kick boxing champ after three women came forward. The force closed the case in 2019 following a four-year probe – sparking a review by the police watchdog. But in March this year, Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed the original investigation would be reopened. The women – along with a fourth complainant – had launched civil legal action against Andrew with a trial set to take place in June, but it has been paused. It comes after a High Court judge recently threw out a legal claim from the Tates to force prosecutors to reveal their accusers’ identities. Victims of sexual violence have lifelong anonymity unless they choose to waive it. Mr Justice Chamberlain dismissed the challenge, concluding “this is not a case where it can be said, even arguably”, that the Tates’ human rights had been breached. Andrew and Tristan have always denied any wrongdoing in relation to sexual misconduct. They have faced legal investigations in Romania, the UK and US. Their lawyers told The Sun earlier this month: “Andrew and Tristan Tate categorically deny every allegation contained within a potential Romanian indictment, including any new allegations. “This is not a conviction, nor a judicial finding of fact. It is the prosecution’s latest set of allegations, all of which will be vigorously contested through the Romanian courts. “It is also important that readers understand the procedural history of this case. The original Romanian indictment did not proceed to trial in its original form. “Instead, a Judge refused to send the indictment to trial and returned it to prosecutors following findings of procedural and legal deficiencies. “That context is highly relevant when reporting what is a second attempt to advance substantially the same proceedings. “Andrew and Tristan Tate remain confident in the judicial process and will continue to defend themselves through the courts rather than through media speculation. “The presumption of innocence remains a fundamental principle of justice and should be respected throughout these proceedings.”