Vanuatu Moves to Revoke Andrew Tate's Citizenship Amid Legal Controversies

Authorities express concern over misuse of citizenship programs, leading to debates on security implications and international reputation.

Vanuatu's government is taking steps to revoke Andrew Tate's citizenship after revelations that the influencer acquired a golden passport while facing serious criminal allegations in Romania, including rape and human trafficking. Tate, who describes himself as a misogynist, obtained this citizenship in December 2022 through a fast-track scheme that requires an investment of at least $130,000 (£96,000) in the island nation.

Recent investigations by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project have raised alarms about the exploitation of such "passports-for-sale" schemes. Vanuatu's government spokesperson, Kiery Manassah, confirmed that authorities are actively reviewing Tate's case, indicating that the government does not wish to grant citizenship to individuals with questionable backgrounds or those wanted for investigation by international law enforcement.

This move occurs after the European Union suspended Vanuatu's visa-free privilege in late 2024 over concerns about security and misuse of citizenship programs. Critics like Aubrey Belford from OCCRP emphasize the risks posed by these schemes, claiming they provide opportunities for individuals to evade police scrutiny and acquire new identities easily.

Since his citizenship was granted, Andrew Tate has remained influential in social media circles, boasting over 10 million followers on platforms like X. He has faced backlash for propagating misogynistic views and potentially influencing young audiences negatively. While both Andrew and his brother Tristan Tate were born in the United States, they relocated to the UK during their childhood. They continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing.

In parallel, the UK government is seeking the extradition of the brothers from Romania on charges of rape, bodily harm, and human trafficking, stemming from alleged incidents occurring between 2012 and 2015. A Romanian court has already sanctioned their extradition, contingent upon the conclusion of their ongoing legal proceedings. It remains unclear whether Tristan Tate has pursued Vanuatu citizenship alongside his brother.