Police watchdog investigates force over handling of Andrew Tate allegations

Police watchdog investigates force over handling of Andrew Tate allegations

The police watchdog is currently conducting an investigation into how Hertfordshire Constabulary managed allegations of sexual abuse involving Andrew Tate. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is reviewing the police force’s handling of claims made by three women, which were initially investigated over a period of four years before being closed in 2019.

According to the IOPC, there is a potential misconduct issue involving a former detective constable who may face gross misconduct proceedings, as well as two former detective sergeants who are being looked into for possible misconduct related to their supervision of the case. The original accusations stem from incidents the women say took place between 2013 and 2015. These women have now brought their claims to the High Court, where civil proceedings are set to begin in June. Tate, 39, denies all allegations against him.

Tate’s lawyer, Andrew Ford, stated: “The CPS decided in 2019 and again in 2025 to take no further action in relation to this case as there was insufficient evidence to charge.” Meanwhile, the three complainants issued a joint statement through their lawyers expressing appreciation that the IOPC has initiated an investigation into how their reports were handled. They emphasized their desire for the case and the evidence to be thoroughly and fairly examined by the authorities.

An IOPC spokesperson explained that their investigation was prompted by a voluntary conduct referral from Hertfordshire Constabulary in December 2023. They added that the inquiry focuses on alleged failures to properly investigate by the former detective constable, along with supervisory misconduct by the two former detective sergeants. The women, including a fourth claimant, have accused Tate of sexual violence during the period before he gained fame as a social media influencer. Court documents include serious allegations such as Tate holding a gun to a woman’s face and assaulting one of the claimants with a belt, as well as repeatedly grabbing her by the throat in 2015. The civil trial is expected to last approximately five weeks starting this June. Throughout, Tate has maintained his innocence, with his representatives affirming his stance and willingness to fully cooperate with the legal process

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