On Dec. 29, 2022, prominent social media influencer Andrew Tate was detained by Romanian authorities along with his brother Tristan Tate. The brothers were arrested under suspicion of human trafficking and organized crime.

A prominent figure in the far-right, Andrew Tate is a social media influencer who gained notoriety for his views toward women. The ex-kickboxer fosters misogynistic stances that they “belong in the home, can’t drive, and are a man’s property,” and should “bear some responsibility for being raped.”

He also began the online course “Hustler’s University,” teaching get-rich-quick ideas, including investment in cryptocurrency and financially-incentivized outreach. Many have condemned it as a scheme to recruit young men and increase his outreach through manipulation of social media algorithms.

The arrest occurred after the influencer tweeted against climate change activist Greta Thunberg, to which she responded with condescending remarks. Tate posted a response video with a pizza box from Romanian brand “Jerry’s Pizza” in the background.

While many social media members believed this box provided the Romanian authorities with evidence that he was in the country, authorities denied the claim. Snopes.com labeled the rumor as “false,” and one spokesperson replied that the rumor was “funny, but not true.”

DIICOT, Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, raided five of Tate’s estates on December 29 and claims to have located six victims of the organization. They have stated that the organization recruited women who fell victim to “physical violence and mental coercion, sexual exploitation by team members and [being] forced to perform pornographic acts intended to reap important financial benefits.”

The Tate brothers were originally detained for a 24-hour period, but their detention was extended to 30 days. Despite this, internet trolls have begun a coordinated effort to persuade others into believing he has been released.

Social media remains divided on Tate’s arrest and what it may lead to. While his fans assert the claim that he is innocent and was attacked by “the Matrix,” feminist organizations and womens’ rights activists believe that this detention is a step in the right direction against organized misogyny.