The U.S. Department of Justice under President Trump has urged a Florida court to keep Andrew and Tristan Tate in custody pending a decision on their extradition to the United Kingdom, citing concerns the brothers may attempt to flee the country aboard their $50 million superyacht. Prosecutors warned that the Tate brothers, who hold dual British and American citizenship, have strong incentives and the financial means to evade justice if released before the extradition process concludes.

In a recently unsealed court filing, the Justice Department highlighted the brothers’ considerable financial resources despite the UK government seizing nearly £3 million from their accounts in connection with unpaid taxes and allegations of money laundering. Authorities noted that Andrew Tate, 39, posted a social media video in July 2026 featuring a tour of a 41-metre superyacht, the "Obsidian Blade," reportedly under construction in Bodrum, Turkey.

The Tate brothers are facing sex offense charges in the UK, where a 2024 court was presented with evidence that they failed to pay taxes on approximately £21 million earned through online businesses between 2014 and 2022. Prosecutors further accused Andrew and Tristan, 38, of orchestrating a campaign to intimidate and target their accusers.

If the extradition request is upheld by the U.S. courts, the case will proceed to the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for final approval. The Trump administration has indicated no intention of obstructing the brothers’ extradition to Britain.

Defense attorney Joseph McBride argued that the brothers are not flight risks, referencing their consistent court appearances in Romania related to an ongoing criminal investigation there. Both Andrew and Tristan Tate have denied all charges in the UK and Romanian legal proceedings.