BUCHAREST - Internet personality Andrew Tate's home near Bucharest was raided by law enforcement on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said, as Romanian police launched four searches in an investigation into crimes including human trafficking and sex with a minor.

A self-described misogynist, social media influencer Tate has gained millions of fans by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that critics say denigrates women.

He was already indicted in mid-2023 along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian female suspects for human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, allegations they denied.

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A photographer working for Reuters who was outside Tate's home said about a dozen masked law enforcement officers had entered the property, before escorting Tate out of the house to a car.

"Anything to put me in jail except to give me a trial. No trial, no judge, this country is crazy," Tate told reporters as he was taken to the car. He was not wearing handcuffs.

Romania's anti-organized crime prosecuting unit DIICOT said it had conducted four home searches within Ilfov county and the Bucharest municipality.

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It said the investigation concerned "a criminal case regarding the commission of the crimes of setting up an organised criminal group, trafficking of minors, human trafficking, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements and money laundering".

Tate's representatives confirmed the raid on his home and said the brothers' legal team would "ensure all formalities are carried out correctly".

In July, a Romanian court of appeal overturned a previous ruling which allowed Tate free movement within the European Union while awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking.