Police Watchdog Launches Investigation into Handling of Andrew Tate Abuse Allegations
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated a formal investigation into Hertfordshire Constabulary's handling of sexual abuse allegations made against controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate. This probe follows a voluntary referral by the police force in December 2023, focusing specifically on the constabulary's response to reports filed by three women in 2015.
Details of the Police Conduct Investigation
The police watchdog confirmed it is examining potential failures in how the force addressed the serious allegations against Tate. A former detective constable now faces potential gross misconduct proceedings for alleged failures to properly investigate the case. Additionally, two former detective sergeants who supervised the original investigation are being investigated for alleged misconduct.
The IOPC emphasized that serving misconduct notices does not automatically mean disciplinary proceedings will follow. The watchdog will determine at the conclusion of its investigation whether any officers should face formal disciplinary action.
Background of the Sexual Abuse Allegations
Three women initially reported sexual abuse allegations against Andrew Tate to Hertfordshire Constabulary, leading to a four-year investigation that was ultimately closed in 2019 without charges being brought. The women have since taken their claims to the High Court alongside a fourth woman, with all four alleging the professional kickboxer used sexual violence against them.
Court documents reveal disturbing details of the allegations, including claims that Tate:
- Held a gun to a woman's face while threatening "you're going to do as I say or there'll be hell to pay"
- Assaulted a woman with a belt and grabbed her by the throat on multiple occasions in 2015
- Strangled women during sex while making threatening statements including "I'm just debating whether to rape you or not" and "who do you belong to?"
Victims' Response and Legal Proceedings
In a joint statement issued through their legal team, the three women who reported to police expressed gratitude for the IOPC investigation. "We are grateful that the IOPC has taken steps to investigate potential issues with how our reports were handled," they stated. "From the beginning, all we have wanted is for our cases and the evidence to be fully and fairly considered by those with the power to do so."
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) previously determined in September 2023 that the legal test to bring criminal charges had not been met. However, this decision is currently subject to a victim's right to review process. A civil trial involving the allegations is scheduled to take place in June of this year.
Tate's Legal Position and Additional Proceedings
Andrew Tate's legal representatives have vehemently denied all allegations against him, describing them as "false" and asserting that the alleged victims "were not controlled and did not behave as though they were controlled" by him. A spokesperson for the influencer stated the allegations are "unproven and untested" and were "categorically" denied.
Separately, Tate and his brother Tristan Tate face legal proceedings in Romania, where both men have denied any wrongdoing. Following the conclusion of Romanian proceedings, the brothers are due to be extradited to the United Kingdom after Bedfordshire Police secured a European arrest warrant for further separate allegations of rape and human trafficking involving different women dating back to 2012-2015. The brothers "unequivocally deny" these additional allegations.
Police and Watchdog Statements
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary told media outlets: "The IOPC is currently investigating Hertfordshire Constabulary's handling of allegations made by three women in 2015. This is following a voluntary referral to the watchdog by the force in December 2023. We are fully committed to supporting this independent investigation and are in regular contact with the IOPC as they progress the matter. Due to the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage."
The IOPC spokesperson confirmed: "We are independently investigating the actions and decision making of Hertfordshire Constabulary following multiple reports of sexual offending by a man, which was first reported to the force in 2015. Our investigation began following a voluntary conduct referral from the force in December 2023."
