Vanuatu considers stripping Andrew Tate of golden passport

Vanuatu’s government is reviewing the citizenship status of influencer Andrew Tate after revelations surfaced that he secured a “golden passport” from the Pacific island nation just as he was being arrested in Romania on serious criminal charges.

Tate, a controversial online figure known for his self-declared misogyny and luxurious lifestyle, was granted Vanuatu citizenship in December 2022 under a fast-track program for foreign investors. At the time, he and his brother Tristan were taken into custody in Romania on accusations of rape and human trafficking—allegations they continue to deny.

The passport program, which allows individuals to acquire Vanuatu nationality by investing at least USD 130,000 in the country, has drawn scrutiny for its security vulnerabilities. In late 2024, the European Union revoked Vanuatu’s visa-free travel privileges, citing concerns that the scheme could be exploited by individuals with criminal backgrounds.

A Vanuatu government spokesperson confirmed the matter is under active review. “Once we have the files, definitely, the processes will be in place to revoke his citizenship,” said Kiery Manassah, speaking to ABC News.

“The government does not want to encourage people of questionable backgrounds to be granted citizenship,” he added. “Those who are wanted by their countries or who are investigated by police authorities from overseas are not welcome to be part of the citizens of Vanuatu.”

An investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed the timing of Tate’s citizenship application coincided with his arrest, raising concerns about how such programs are monitored.

“It’s caused a lot of alarm because it’s one of those loopholes that allows people to get a new passport or even a new identity and be able to evade law enforcement,” said Aubrey Belford, Pacific lead editor at OCCRP.

Vanuatu, which does not have an extradition treaty with Romania, issued the passport to Tate in the same month he was detained in Europe. It remains unclear whether Tristan Tate also obtained citizenship through the same route.

Beyond his legal issues, Andrew Tate has amassed millions of followers online by flaunting wealth and espousing toxic ideologies, particularly targeting women. His digital influence has alarmed educators and government bodies, including those in the UK, for encouraging misogynistic attitudes among boys and young men.

Both brothers were born in the US and raised in the UK, where authorities are now pursuing their extradition on separate charges filed in 2024, including rape, human trafficking, and assault related to incidents from 2012 to 2015.

Their legal team has said they will face the UK charges once the Romanian judicial process concludes. A Romanian court has ruled that extradition to the UK may proceed following any trial there.