Andrew Tate and his brother have been charged with rape, human trafficking and controlling prostitution in the UK

Authorities have confirmed the case involves four women.

The charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following a file of evidence submitted by Bedfordshire Police.

Alleged offences committed by the Tates are said to have taken place in Britain, and a European Arrest Warrant has been issued to return the brothers from Romania to face criminal proceedings.

The announcement marks the first official confirmation by the CPS of their intention to prosecute the Tates in Britain.

Both Tate brothers are currently residing in Romania, where they are already under investigation for a separate string of alleged sex crimes.

The proceedings in Romania must be resolved before any extradition to the UK can take place.

A CPS spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we have authorised charges against Andrew and Tristan Tate for offences including rape, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and actual bodily harm against three women.

"These charging decisions followed receipt of a file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendants have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Lawyer Matt Jury, who is representing the alleged victims, welcomed the development.

He said: "We welcome the clarity from the Crown Prosecution Service that our authorities are working to ensure the Tates face justice here in the UK - they cannot be allowed to escape extradition."

Andrew is also the subject of a civil lawsuit by four other women, after the CPS opted not to bring criminal charges against him in 2019.

The brothers briefly travelled to the United States in February, shortly after being released from house arrest in Romania. During their time in the US, Andrew and Tristan made appearances on a number of high-profile podcasts and were seen socialising with prominent figures in the Los Angeles influencer community.

Both returned to Bucharest soon after, where Romanian prosecutors continue to investigate the pair over alleged sex trafficking activities. Andrew has repeatedly denied all allegations against him.

Andrew moved to Romania several years ago, having previously launched a webcam business in the UK.

He first gained public attention as a contestant on 'Big Brother' but was removed from the show following the emergence of a video in which he appeared to assault a woman.