Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have arrived at a Romanian court after being charged over allegations of human trafficking and forming an organised crime group.

Alongside charges of human trafficking, Andrew Tate has also been charged with raping one of the victims, while his brother has been charged with inciting others to violence.

The Tate brothers are accused of tricking seven women into sexual exploitation on fake promises of a relationship or marriage – a technique authorities have labelled the “loverboy method”.

They are charged alongside two Romanian female suspects who are accused of being part of the alleged organised crime group.

It is alleged all four formed the group in 2021 to commit human trafficking in Romania and other countries – including the US and UK.

A spokesperson for the brothers said on Tuesday that they “embrace the opportunity (a trial) presents to demonstrate their innocence and vindicate their reputation”.

Tate, 36, has repeatedly claimed Romanian prosecutors have no evidence and alleged the case is a political conspiracy designed to silence him.

The brothers were first arrested in a property in Bucharest in December last year and held in custody until March – when they were released under house arrest.

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