Devon police to use seized Tate funds to tackle violence against women and girls

Devon and Cornwall Police say they will reinvest more than £1 million of seized assets from social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan into projects aimed at tackling violence against women and girls across the region. 

The move comes a year after the force seized almost £2.9 million in assets and costs from the brothers under a civil forfeiture order granted in December 2024. 

The forfeiture followed a police investigation that argued the Tates had evaded tax and laundered money through bank accounts based in Devon. 

During a court hearing, Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told the brothers had accrued significant earnings between 2014 and 2022 without paying tax or VAT, and had tried to conceal the origin of funds via so‑called “front” accounts, conduct the force described as criminal activity that rendered the earnings proceeds of crime. 

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said that while some of the seized money had been returned to the Treasury, a significant sum remained with the force locally and would be reinvested into community support work. 

“Our work to seize the money from the Tate brothers was diligent and showed our commitment to not allowing criminality to operate in Devon and Cornwall.

“While a sum of the seized money has been returned to the treasury, a significant sum has come back to the force locally to reinvest.

“We have decided this money will be reinvested into projects which focus on our commitment to battle violence against women and girls and support our newly launched VAWG reduction strategy.”

The force confirmed a panel has been established to identify suitable projects and initiatives that will benefit local communities. 

The spokesman added that details would be shared over the coming months on how the funds are being used to support victims and stand against abuse. 

Background to the seizure

Devon and Cornwall Police secured the forfeiture order after a civil case showing that the brothers had not paid tax on substantial earnings from online business activities. 

Civil proceedings use a lower threshold of proof than criminal trials, and do not result in criminal convictions. 

The seized amount includes assets tied to revenue credited to accounts held in the names of Andrew Tate, Tristan Tate and an associated third person. 

The police said funds were routed through multiple accounts to disguise their origin. 

Andrew Tate, a former professional kickboxer turned social media personality, has been a controversial figure due to his online presence and has faced separate criminal proceedings abroad, which he denies.