Vanuatu has initiated the process of reviewing Andrew Tate's citizenship, which he acquired under the archipelago's citizenship-by-investment program. This move comes amidst revelations of his arrest in Romania for serious criminal charges, including rape and human trafficking, just weeks after the grant of his golden passport in December 2022. The fallout from this situation has raised significant security concerns, prompting the European Union to reassess Vanuatu's visa-free status.
Kiery Manassah, a government spokesman, confirmed to ABC News that official files are being reviewed with the intent to revoke Tate’s citizenship. He emphasized that Vanuatu aims to prevent individuals with "questionable backgrounds" from gaining citizenship, stating, "Those who are wanted by their countries or are being investigated by police authorities from overseas are not welcome here."
The citizenship-by-investment scheme, which has generated income for Vanuatu, has been criticized for attracting figures linked to organized crime and corruption. Aubrey Belford from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) highlighted the risks posed by such schemes, describing them as potential loopholes allowing individuals to escape law enforcement by acquiring new identities.
Andrew Tate, known for his provocative and misogynistic statements, has gained notoriety on social media platforms, boasting millions of followers. Born in the United States but raised in the UK, Tate and his brother, Tristan, face charges in Romania, and the UK is actively pursuing their extradition in connection with several serious allegations tied to incidents between 2012 and 2015.
The Romanian court has ruled in favor of their extradition once legal proceedings conclude, raising continued concerns regarding their influence and actions.
