Andrew Tate accused of tax evasion from online businesses

In a recent court hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been accused of evading taxes on £21 million of revenue from their online businesses, including their OnlyFans accounts. Devon and Cornwall Police are pursuing a civil claim against the brothers, along with a third individual identified only as J, over alleged unpaid taxes. The police claim that the Tates failed to pay taxes on earnings made between 2014 and 2022, with accusations of tax evasion and money laundering in both the UK and Romania. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the brothers maintained a significant number of bank accounts in the UK, with seven of them already frozen. Sarah Clarke KC, representing Devon and Cornwall Police, highlighted how money flowed through these accounts as a means to obscure the origins of their revenues, describing it as a form of tax evasion and money laundering. The court heard that the Tates allegedly transferred nearly $12 million to an account in J's name, despite her having no involvement in their businesses, leading to accusations of fraud by false misrepresentation. The prosecution further alleged that the brothers never paid taxes or VAT on their substantial earnings, creating a complex financial web to evade tax obligations. Additionally, it was disclosed that J received significant payments, including one of £805,000 to their Revolut account, with portions allegedly funneled to Andrew Tate and converted into cryptocurrency. The case has been adjourned for further proceedings, with Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring tasked with determining the validity of the police's claims based on the balance of probabilities. Martin Evans KC, representing the Tate brothers, is expected to present their defense during the ongoing court hearings at Westminster Magistrates' Court. The accusations of tax evasion, money laundering, and financial misconduct have cast a shadow over the Tates' online business operations and financial practices. The unfolding legal battle sheds light on the complexities of financial crimes and the authorities' efforts to hold individuals accountable for their tax obligations and financial transparency.