IOPC examines Hertfordshire police handling of devices seized from Andrew Tate in 2015

Mixed · 2The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is examining whether Hertfordshire Constabulary's investigation of potential criminality found on Andrew Tate's devices met local and national guidance on child sex exploitation and evidence of human trafficking. 1 2 Mixed · 2The devices were seized during a 2015 search of Tate's home in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The Evening Standard says the IOPC confirmed a report by The Daily Telegraph. 1 2 Mixed · 2This forms part of a wider IOPC investigation into how the force dealt with sexual offending reports about Tate. The IOPC says it began after a voluntary conduct referral from the force in December 2023. 1 2

Centre · 1The IOPC is investigating a former detective constable for potential gross misconduct over alleged failures to properly investigate. It is also investigating two former detective sergeants, who supervised the investigation, at the level of misconduct. The Standard says the case was closed but reopened earlier this year. 1 Mixed · 2Police allege in extradition court documents that 168 indecent images of a child were found on Tate's phones and laptop, 66 of them Category A, the most serious tier. GB News adds that police alleged 26 Category B images, and that the devices were 'used by Andrew Tate'. 1 2 Centre · 1It is alleged that Tate knew the girl, who came to the UK from abroad to work in his webcam business, was 17. The Standard reports he is also alleged to have shared images and a video of her on WhatsApp. 1

Right · 1GB News says court documents raised questions about why no charges were brought in 2015, and whether the material went 'untouched' for over a decade. It reports that Tate criticised prosecutors on X, writing: 'Do you have any idea how pathetic and desperate this looks?' 2 Mixed · 2Tate, 39, and his brother Tristan, 38, are the subject of UK extradition requests to the US, where they are detained. Tate denies all allegations and charges. GB News reports that UK prosecutors want him to stand trial on 42 charges, including rape, human trafficking and making and distributing images of a child. 1 2 Centre · 1The brothers will face separate extradition hearings at a Miami court next month. Their lawyer Joseph McBride says the US constitution forbids punishing people who have not been convicted and that they will challenge every charge. 1

Mixed · 2A spokesman for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit said it understands the interest in the case. It cannot comment further because legal proceedings are now active, and noted that the IOPC investigation is running alongside the criminal process. 1 2