The tiny Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu is evaluating the status of Andrew Tate's citizenship amidst significant legal scrutiny surrounding the influencer's activities.
Vanuatu Considers Revoking Andrew Tate's Citizenship Amid Controversy
Vanuatu Considers Revoking Andrew Tate's Citizenship Amid Controversy
Vanuatu's government is contemplating the revocation of Andrew Tate's citizenship following his controversial acquisition of a golden passport during his legal troubles in Romania.
Vanuatu authorities are looking into revoking Andrew Tate's citizenship after revelations of his acquisition of a golden passport around the same time he faced arrest in Romania for serious crimes including rape and human trafficking. The fast-track citizenship, available through an investment of at least $130,000 (£96,000), has raised alarms over security issues surrounding the scheme.
An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) highlighted the potential for misuse of such programs by individuals with questionable backgrounds, prompting the European Union to revoke Vanuatu's visa-free access late last year. Kiery Manassah, a government spokesperson, confirmed that the authorities are indeed "definitely looking into" Tate’s citizenship status. "We do not want to encourage those of questionable backgrounds," he added, expressing concern over individuals wanted by law enforcement seeking shelter in the archipelago.
Tate's citizenship was granted to him in December 2022, coinciding with his arrest in Romania alongside his brother Tristan. The Tate siblings have faced various allegations and charges, including those of rape and human trafficking dating back from 2012 to 2015. Their legal battle continues, with the UK seeking their extradition after a Romanian court ruled in favor of it following ongoing trials.
While Andrew Tate has amassed a massive online following of over 10 million on social media platform X, he has simultaneously garnered notoriety for his misogynistic rhetoric and the impact of his views on young men. Both brothers, originally from the U.S. but raised in the UK, continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing. The fate of their Vanuatu citizenship remains uncertain, particularly given the lack of a formal extradition treaty between Vanuatu and Romania.
