Tate Brothers Reported to Counter-Terror Over ‘Russian Propaganda’ Video
Andrew and Tristan Tate Reported to UK Authorities Over Russian Military Video
What Happened?
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate — famous social media personalities — have been reported to Britain’s counter-terrorism police and the Home Office (the UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order).
The reason? A video posted on their social media channels in June 2026 showing them in Russia, dressed in camouflage and body armor, using serious military equipment.
What Was in the Video?
The video shows the brothers:
- Riding a Soviet-era T-80BV battle tank
- Using a flamethrower
- Throwing grenades from a trench
- Being told they could win a "special medal" from Russia’s Minister of Defence
A man guiding them through the course appears to be Russian military personnel.
Why Are People Concerned?
The Accusation: "Russian Propaganda Puppets"
Alicia Kearns, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Rutland and Stamford, filed the complaint. She said on X (formerly Twitter):
"Putin has his latest propaganda puppets: the Tate Brothers. Andrew and Tristan Tate filmed themselves sprouting pro-Kremlin propaganda whilst using Russian weapons."
The Legal Issue: Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)
Under the UK’s National Security Act, there’s a system called the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS).
IMPORTANT POINT
What is FIRS?
It’s a legal requirement for people in the UK who do certain activities on behalf of a foreign power to register with the government. Think of it like a "transparency list" so the public knows who might be influenced by other countries.
Kearns argues the brothers may have been required to register if they received any direction, assistance, or payment from the Russian state for this visit.
The Tate Brothers’ Response
Their representatives told LBC and The Independent:
| Claim | Details |
|---|---|
| Private visit | "The visit was private and personal" |
| No Russian involvement | "No payment, compensation, financial assistance or direction from the Russian state" |
| No propaganda | They "did not deliver talking points for the Russian government" |
| Just a gun range | "Going to a gun range is as American as apple pie… Lawful conduct does not become a crime because the government finds it frightening" |
They compared it to Americans visiting shooting ranges for sport — saying using weapons doesn’t equal military training.
Background: Previous Pro-Russia Comments
This isn’t the first time the brothers have made comments sympathetic to Russia:
Andrew Tate (2023 interview with Tucker Carlson):
"If you are naive enough to believe that there are good guys and bad guys in wars… then you need to do a little bit more investigation into what is really happening."
He also praised Vladimir Putin’s handling of Covid.
Tristan Tate (2024 tweet):
"We are relying on Russia to save the world" — responding to a Russian official’s comments about NATO.
Current Legal Situation
Separate from this Russian video issue, the brothers were:
- Arrested in Miami on July 18, 2026
- Charged with: Rape, assault, and facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation
- Currently: In federal custody fighting extradition to the United Kingdom
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Andrew & Tristan Tate (social media influencers) |
| What | Video showing them using Russian military gear in Russia |
| When | Video posted June 2026; complaint filed August 2026 |
| Complaint by | MP Alicia Kearns → Counter-Terror Police & Home Office |
| Legal basis | UK National Security Act / Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) |
| Tates’ defense | Private visit, no Russian state involvement, just recreational shooting |
| Other context | Previous pro-Russia statements; currently jailed in US facing serious charges |
FAQ
What exactly is the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)?
A: It’s a UK law requiring people to register if they do political or influence activities on behalf of a foreign government. It’s meant to make foreign influence transparent — like a public record of "who’s working for whom."
Did the Tate brothers break the law?
A: That’s what investigators will determine. The complaint asks police to check if they should have registered under FIRS. No charges have been filed related to this video yet.
Why does it matter that they used a Russian tank and flamethrower?
A: Critics say it looks like staged propaganda — showing Western influencers enjoying Russian military hardware sends a message that Russia is strong and welcoming. The "special medal" comment adds to this perception.
Can’t they just say it was tourism?
A: They are saying that. But MPs like Kearns argue: How did two famous foreigners get access to a Russian military base with heavy weapons? That level of access usually requires government coordination.
What happens next?
A: The Counter-Terror Police and Home Office will review the complaint. They may:
- Open an investigation
- Decide no law was broken
- Refer it to prosecutors if they find evidence of FIRS violations
Meanwhile, the brothers remain in US custody on unrelated serious charges.
Bottom Line: This isn’t just about a fun video. It raises questions about foreign influence laws, propaganda, and how governments monitor citizens with large platforms who interact with hostile states. The investigation will decide if a line was crossed.