Social Media Influencer and Brother Accused of Serial Tax Evasion on £21m Revenue

Social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been accused of engaging in serial tax evasion, allegedly failing to pay taxes on £21 million in revenue generated from their online businesses, as disclosed in a civil claim brought by Devon and Cornwall Police.

During the court hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Sarah Clarke KC, representing the police, highlighted that the brothers are believed to have evaded paying taxes on revenue accumulated between 2014 and 2022, totaling £21 million without any contributions to tax or VAT in any jurisdiction worldwide.

Clarke referenced a video where Andrew Tate boasted about refusing to pay taxes while he was residing in England, echoing a cavalier attitude towards tax obligations.

The court proceedings revealed that the Tate brothers maintained a considerable number of UK bank accounts, seven of which are currently frozen due to the ongoing investigation.

The police alleged that the funds maneuvered through these bank accounts created a complex web to obfuscate the origin and destination of the revenue, indicative of both tax evasion and potential money laundering activities.

Revenue streams were purportedly generated from various online products as well as the brothers’ OnlyFans accounts, with sizable amounts funneled into accounts held by a third individual known only as J.

In a questionable move, an account was opened in J’s name with an incorrect date of birth, leading to suspicions of fraudulent misrepresentation in handling the substantial sums of money.

The police detailed that significant transactions involving Cobra Tate, Hustlers University, and War Room schemes were channeled through bank accounts held with platforms like Stripe and Revolut, underscoring the intricate financial maneuvers.

Allegations of tax evasion and money laundering span not only the UK but also Romania, where the brothers reportedly neglected their tax obligations, contributing to the substantial sum now under scrutiny.

The case is unfolding in a civil context, allowing for a scrutiny of the evidence based on a probability standard, with Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring presiding over the determination of the claims put forth by Devon and Cornwall Police.