£1m Seized From Andrew Tate to Fund Fight Against VAWG

Devon and Cornwall Police is set to reinvest more than £1 million of seized criminal funds into work supporting the fight against violence against women and girls.

The move comes a year after the force successfully seized almost £2.9 million in assets from social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate.

Assets seized after civil forfeiture ruling

In December 2024, Devon and Cornwall Police secured a civil forfeiture order against Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate, resulting in the seizure of more than £2.9 million in assets and costs.

The order was granted after the force proved the brothers had cheated the revenue and laundered money through bank accounts based in Devon. The investigation focused on earnings made between 2014 and 2022, during which Westminster Magistrates Court heard that no tax or VAT had been paid on those funds.

The court was told both Andrew and Tristan attempted to hide the true nature of their earnings by routing money through so called front accounts. This was classed as criminal activity, meaning the earnings became proceeds of crime.

Money returned to be spent locally

Following the ruling, more than £1 million of the seized funds has now been returned to Devon and Cornwall Police to spend locally.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said:
“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.”

Panel set up to identify projects

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

The spokesman added:
“A panel has been established to identify projects and initiatives in support of our communities.

“Throughout the coming months we intend to show our communities how these funds can make a difference and support our communities in taking a stand against those perpetrating abuse and putting those funds at the heart of victim support.”

Devon and Cornwall Police says further updates will be shared as decisions are made on how the money will be used across the force area.