Bizarre Google Translate Error: Andrew Tate’s Bitcoin Seizure Misreported

In a bizarre turn of events, a Google translate error resulted in false reports by media outlets like BBC suggesting that Andrew Tate had $300 million worth of Bitcoin seized. However, a press release from the Office of Information and Public Relations within the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism clarifies the situation, stating that 21 BTC were actually seized.

Andrew Tate Bitcoin Holdings

Social media influencer, Andrew Tate was taken into custody in December following allegations of human trafficking and sexual assault. After an extensive investigation by DIICOT, he has been placed under house arrest since March.

According to the latest press release, Tate, along with three other defendants, has been ordered to face trial under house arrest. The charges leveled against them include constituting an organized criminal group, human trafficking, rape, illegal access to computer systems, and instigation of violence.

Read CoinGape’s Coverage of Tate’s Trial..

Contrary to the initial misinformation, the press release confirms that 21 BTC were seized as part of the investigation.

Google Translate Error

The press release also outlines the requested confiscation of various assets, including lands, buildings, luxury cars, luxury watches, ingots, a medal, and sums of money held within cryptocurrency wallets. Among these assets, exactly 21.080508 BTC, were seized. 

Despite inaccurate reporting by the BBC, it has been clarified that Andrew Tate did not have $300 million worth of Bitcoin seized, but around 21 bitcoins, that is bitcoin worth over $560,000. The false information was a result of a Google Translate error.

The dissemination of inaccurate information due to a Google translate error has led to widespread confusion surrounding Andrew Tate’s alleged involvement and his crypto holdings specifically.

The BBC reported that the trial is expected to last several years, and a Romanian judge has 60 days to view all the evidence before then.  Tate’s spokesperson told the BBC: “We embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence.”