BlogHear.com | June 4, 2025
Port Vila, Vanuatu – Authorities in Vanuatu are considering revoking the citizenship of controversial internet personality Andrew Tate after it emerged he acquired a Vanuatu passport around the time of his 2022 arrest in Romania on charges of rape and human trafficking.
According to an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Tate secured Vanuatu citizenship through the nation’s “golden passport” program, which grants citizenship to individuals who invest at least $130,000 in the Pacific island country. He was granted citizenship in December 2022, the same month Romanian authorities arrested him and his brother, Tristan Tate.
The revelation has raised fresh concerns about Vanuatu’s fast-track citizenship scheme, which critics say has become a tool for individuals seeking to escape law enforcement or hide questionable backgrounds. The European Union revoked Vanuatu’s visa-free travel privileges in late 2024 due to security concerns linked to the program.
Government Responds
Speaking to ABC News, Vanuatu government spokesperson Kiery Manassah confirmed that officials are actively reviewing Andrew Tate’s case.
“Once we have the files, definitely, the processes will be in place to revoke his citizenship,” Manassah said. “The government does not want to encourage people of questionable backgrounds to be granted citizenship.”
He added that individuals under investigation or wanted by international authorities should not be allowed to gain citizenship in Vanuatu.
No Extradition Treaty with Romania
Although Romania does not have a formal extradition treaty with Vanuatu, the Romanian court has permitted the potential extradition of the Tate brothers to the United Kingdom after any ongoing proceedings in Romania conclude.
In 2024, UK prosecutors charged the brothers with rape, actual bodily harm, and human trafficking, based on alleged incidents dating between 2012 and 2015. Their lawyers have stated they intend to return to the UK to face the charges.
Impact of Citizenship-by-Investment Programs
Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment program has generated significant revenue for the country but has also attracted international criticism. OCCRP Pacific editor Aubrey Belford explained that such schemes are often exploited by criminals, oligarchs, and even intelligence agents.
“It’s one of those loopholes that allows people to get a new passport or even a new identity and be able to evade law enforcement,” Belford said.
While it is unclear whether Tristan Tate also obtained Vanuatu citizenship, both brothers have faced extensive legal scrutiny since their 2022 arrest. They have remained under travel restrictions in Romania since then.
Tate’s Online Influence and Legal Battles
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer turned influencer, has amassed over 10 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), often sharing content about luxury lifestyles and promoting controversial views. He has been widely criticized for encouraging misogyny and has been flagged by UK authorities for his influence on young men and boys.
Both Andrew and Tristan Tate deny all allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
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