Andrew Tate probe under scrutiny in UK over handling of child images
27.10.2026,
A British police watchdog is investigating how police handled alleged indecent images of a child seized during a search of influencer Andrew Tate's home in 2015.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed on Tuesday a report by The Daily Telegraph that it was examining whether Hertfordshire Constabulary's investigation into material found on Tate's electronic devices complied with local and national guidelines on child sexual exploitation and evidence of human trafficking.
The investigation forms part of a wider probe by the watchdog into how police handled sexual abuse allegations against Tate when they were first reported more than a decade ago.
The case had been closed but was reopened earlier this year after the IOPC said a former detective constable could face gross misconduct proceedings for "alleged failures to properly investigate" the allegations.
British prosecutors are currently seeking the extradition from the United States of Andrew Tate, 39, and his brother Tristan, 38, to face a series of criminal charges, including rape and sex trafficking.
Andrew Tate is also accused of making and distributing indecent images of a child and possessing extreme pornography.
The former professional kickboxers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, have denied wrongdoing.
In court documents filed last month in support of the extradition, police alleged that 168 indecent images of a child had been found on phones and a laptop belonging to Andrew Tate, following his arrest at his home in Hitchin, north of London, in 2015.
Of these, 66 were classed as the most serious category A tier.
He is also said to have shared images and a video of the child committing an indecent act on WhatsApp.
It is alleged that Tate knew the girl, who came to the UK from abroad to work in his sex webcam business, was 17 at the time.
Taking, making, sharing and possessing indecent images of a person under 18 is illegal in the UK, and carries with it a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We have been independently investigating the actions and decision making of Hertfordshire Constabulary following multiple reports of sexual offending by a man, which was first reported to the force in 2015.
“Our investigation began following a voluntary conduct referral from the force in December 2023.
“We are investigating a former detective constable for potential gross misconduct, relating to alleged failures to properly investigate, and two former detective sergeants at the level of misconduct, who supervised the investigation.
“As part of our investigation, we can confirm we are examining whether Hertfordshire Constabulary’s investigation of potential criminality discovered on the man’s devices met the local and national guidance in relation to child sex exploitation and evidence of human trafficking.”
A spokesman for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit said: “We understand the interest in this case. However, we would remind the media and members of the public that as a result of charges being authorised, legal proceedings are now active and we are therefore unable to comment further at this time.
“Alongside the criminal justice process, an investigation by the IOPC is also being carried out in relation to the reports made to Hertfordshire Constabulary in 2015.”
The two brothers will face separate extradition hearings at a Miami court next month.
They have been detained in custody since their arrest in July, sparking criticism by the pair’s legal team.
Their lawyer, Joseph McBride, said: “The constitution forbids punishing people who have not been convicted of a crime.
He added: We will challenge every charge, every alleged factual basis, and every failure to satisfy the requirements of American law and the extradition treaty.
“You don’t have to like Andrew and Tristan Tate or agree with anything they say, but if the constitution doesn’t protect them, it doesn’t protect you either.”
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