Vanuatu considers revoking Andrew Tate's citizenship amid ongoing legal troubles

Vanuatu authorities are contemplating the revocation of Andrew Tate's citizenship after it was disclosed that he obtained a golden passport around the time of his 2022 arrest in Romania for serious offenses including rape and human trafficking.

The self-proclaimed influencer acquired citizenship through a fast-track program that requires an investment of at least $130,000 (£96,000) in the small Pacific nation, according to an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

This scheme has raised significant security concerns, prompting the European Union to revoke Vanuatu's visa-free privileges in late 2024.

A spokesperson for the Vanuatu government confirmed that authorities are "definitely looking into" Tate's citizenship status. "Once we have the files, definitely, the processes will be in place to revoke his citizenship," stated Kiery Manassah in an interview with ABC News. He emphasized that the government aims to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from obtaining citizenship, particularly those who are wanted or under investigation by foreign law enforcement.

Citizenship by investment schemes, such as the one employed by Vanuatu, serve as a source of revenue but have also been exploited by individuals linked to organized crime, oligarchs, and intelligence operatives. "It's caused a lot of alarm because it creates loopholes that allow individuals to acquire new identities and evade law enforcement," noted Aubrey Belford, Pacific lead editor at OCCRP.

Tate received citizenship in December 2022, coinciding with his arrest in Romania alongside his brother, Tristan, who remains subject to travel restrictions. Vanuatu lacks a formal extradition treaty with Romania, raising questions about the implications of Tate's citizenship on international law enforcement efforts. It remains uncertain whether Tristan Tate also obtained citizenship in Vanuatu.

In recent years, Andrew Tate has established a vast online following, boasting over 10 million followers on various platforms, where he showcases a lavish lifestyle that includes luxury cars and private jets. His controversial views on women have garnered global attention, with authorities in the UK recognizing him as a figure contributing to the spread of misogyny among young men.

Both Tate brothers were born in the United States but relocated to Luton in the UK with their mother following their parents' divorce. They have consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing. The UK is currently pursuing their extradition from Romania, where they face charges related to rape, bodily harm, and human trafficking, stemming from incidents reported between 2012 and 2015. A Romanian court has ruled in favor of their extradition following the conclusion of any related trials.