Vanuatu Considers Cancelling Andrew Tate's Citizenship Amid Controversy

Sat Oct 18 2025 23:50:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Vanuatu's government is examining the possibility of revoking Andrew Tate's citizenship linked to serious criminal charges.

Authorities are investigating Andrew Tate's citizenship, which he obtained through a controversial investment scheme, following serious allegations against him.

Vanuatu officials are taking steps to revoke Andrew Tate’s golden passport after it surfaced that he secured citizenship under a fast-track investment program during the same period he was arrested in Romania for serious offenses including rape and human trafficking. The self-styled influencer reportedly paid around $130,000 for his passport in December 2022, a decision that has become contentious following a probe by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

Due to security incidents associated with their citizenship program, the European Union decided to withdraw Vanuatu's visa-free access for its citizens in late 2024. A representative from the Vanuatu government acknowledged that they are thoroughly reviewing Tate's case, stating, “The government does not want to encourage people of questionable backgrounds to be granted citizenship.” Kiery Manassah assured that procedures would be followed to terminate his citizenship once the necessary documentation is available.

This citizenship-by-investment scheme, while beneficial as an income source for countries, has raised alarms about its exploitation by criminal organizations, oligarchs, and potential threats to national security, according to experts like Aubrey Belford from OCCRP. Vanuatu’s policy has raised eyebrows especially after the nationality was granted to Tate, shortly before his arrest along with his brother, Tristan. The Tate brothers have been subject to travel restrictions in Romania since their arrest.

While it's uncertain whether Tristan Tate also attained citizenship from Vanuatu, the country lacks a formal extradition agreement with Romania, complicating legal proceedings. Despite the serious allegations, the Tate brothers maintain their innocence. Meanwhile, authorities in the UK have pursued extradition of the siblings, charged with multiple offenses including human trafficking, which are linked to incidents occurring between 2012 and 2015. According to a Romanian court, their extradition is granted but will take place after ongoing trials conclude.