90 Day Fiancé: Evidence That Andrei Castravet May Have Used Libby Potthast for U.S. Citizenship

Andrei Castravet’s treatment of his wife, Libby Potthast, on the reality series 90 Day Fiancé, has sparked concerns regarding his intentions for moving to the United States. The couple initially connected on a dating app while Libby was vacationing in Dublin, Ireland. Their encounter blossomed into love, prompting Libby to file for Andrei’s K-1 visa so they could wed in the U.S. However, their journey to matrimony was fraught with challenges, especially as Libby’s family grew suspicious of Andrei’s true motives. Despite their reservations, the couple tied the knot in 2017.

Following their marriage, they welcomed their first child, daughter Eleanor Castravet. This milestone raised further red flags for Libby’s family, primarily because Andrei chose to be a stay-at-home dad, leading to tensions regarding his employment. The couple’s arguments and the strain of financial expectations tested their relationship. Nevertheless, over time, Andrei obtained his real estate license and started an online marketing venture. In October 2022, they celebrated the birth of their second child, son Winston Castravet.

Andrei’s Path to American Citizenship

Andrei’s Naturalization Journey

Andrei and Libby’s relationship began on Tinder, where Libby was seeking companionship while planning her trip to Ireland. Andrei had relocated to Dublin from Moldova to work as a bouncer, motivated by the lack of economic opportunities in his home country, which is among the poorest in Europe. After engaging in video calls, they met in person, leading to a romance that culminated in an engagement in Sicily and Andrei’s subsequent move to the U.S. under a K-1 visa.

Despite the initial romance, Andrei’s behavior on the show often suggested that his focus was more on securing his future in America than on nurturing his relationship with Libby. This was exemplified in moments when he treated Libby with disrespect, such as exploding in anger when she merely adjusted his tie before his visa interview.

Financial Demands on Libby’s Family

Loan Request and Family Dynamics

Watch Andrei’s Request

Despite earning Libby’s affection and trust, Andrei has struggled to gain the respect of her family. In 2020, he prompted Libby to seek financial aid from her father, Chuck Potthast, for their second wedding in Moldova, insisting that Chuck finance an extravagant ceremony based solely on his previous support for his other children.

Libby found herself in a difficult position, ultimately receiving funds from Chuck without Andrei expressing gratitude. The situation became increasingly strained in 2021, when Andrei directly approached Chuck for a $100k loan to start his own house-flipping business, despite having previously damaged their relationship. Chuck deemed the request unreasonable and instead offered him a role in the family business.

Andrei’s Disrespectful Behavior

Aggressive Interactions

Over seven years together, it appears that Andrei and Libby do not enjoy the healthiest relationship. Viewers have observed Andrei’s controlling demeanor, which many interpret as abusive. His aggressive body language clashes with Libby’s perception of him as a protective partner. Instances of him swearing at her in his native language have raised alarms about the potential for emotional abuse. One notable incident involved him instructing Libby to “listen double” during an argument, suggesting a dismissive attitude towards her voice.

It is evident that Andrei has affection for Libby, albeit in his particular way, but his lack of respect remains a significant concern across various spin-offs of 90 Day Fiancé. Questions linger about his motives: could he have married her solely as a pathway to U.S. citizenship? Even after achieving American citizenship in July 2024, Andrei’s appreciation for Libby’s unwavering support during the immigration process seemed lacking, as he chose to publicly thank his lawyer instead.

Potential Motives for Marriage

Escaping a Corrupt System

Andrei has mentioned his previous career as an investigator in Moldova, a role he abandoned due to corruption within the police force. After moving to Ireland, he juggled two jobs while searching for a stable home, during which he connected with Libby on Tinder—a relationship that may have served dual purposes of love and legal escape.

His reluctance to return to Moldova and his attempts to keep his past under wraps suggest a desire to distance himself from earlier challenges. Although there are implications that Libby may have initially represented a means to an end for Andrei’s American dream, his actions—such as purchasing a home and raising two children with her—indicate a deeper commitment. If he were merely using Libby, it is unlikely he would have invested so much in their family life.

90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.

Source: 90 Day Fiancé/YouTube, Andrei Castravet/Instagram

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