The UK government is stepping up its fight against people smuggling—but this time, the battlefield is online.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have become hotspots for adverts promising illegal crossings into Britain.
Now, anyone posting these ads could face up to five years in prison under a new crackdown.
The move comes after authorities noticed a surge in posts offering Channel crossings, with prices ranging from £900 to as high as £5,000.
One Facebook page targeting the Albanian community even advertised “summer journeys for only £2,000,” while others use marketing-style pitches like “migrate before it’s too late,” complete with videos of successful crossings and photos of London landmarks.
How the New Laws Work
Starting this Monday, immigration authorities will have the power to target social media users who post migrant adverts—even if the content hasn’t directly resulted in an immigration offence.
This is part of Labour’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, passed last year.
Border security minister Alex Norris made it clear: “We are coming after you,” directing the message straight at people smugglers.
The new legislation is designed to tackle posts before migrants even set foot on UK soil, closing a loophole that previously limited enforcement.
Smugglers Get Creative Online
Social media posts promoting illegal crossings have taken a disturbingly commercial approach.
Some videos feature migrants bragging about successful journeys, complete with captions like “Welcome to London,” while comment sections become informal marketplaces, connecting potential migrants with smugglers.
One TikTok post, written in Pashto, offered a one-hour “jet boat” ride from France to London for $4,000.
Another post promised safe truck transport from France to London in just two hours.
Facebook comments also frequently include phone numbers for arranging trips to the UK or other European countries.
Authorities Step Up Enforcement
The National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Online Communications Centre will be at the forefront of this crackdown, trawling through thousands of social media accounts.
Last year alone, over 10,000 accounts, pages, and posts linked to people smuggling were shut down—a record for the government.
“These social media ads promoting the corrupt promise of a life and work in the UK are truly sickening,” said Alex Norris.
He emphasized that anyone involved in the trade, from selling “golden package deals” to supplying boat equipment, will be targeted.
The new powers will also go after so-called “service agents,” middlemen who connect migrants with facilitators for small boat crossings and other illegal routes.
International Cooperation Against Smugglers
The UK isn’t only acting at home.
During a recent trip to China, Sir Keir Starmer announced a deal aimed at preventing boat motors made in China from falling into the hands of people smugglers.
Last year, around 60% of the boats that crossed the Channel had Chinese-made motors, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The government continues to refine its strategy, using social media intelligence, international cooperation, and legislative tools to dismantle smuggling networks.
But with online posts constantly evolving, the fight is far from over.
The Human Side of the Online Trade
While authorities crack down on smugglers, social media remains a window into the human impact of these illegal crossings.
Videos show smugglers celebrating arrivals with captions like “We are masters,” while comment threads reveal anxious migrants seeking help and guidance.
The new crackdown aims to cut off these networks at the source, stopping dangerous journeys before they start and restoring some control over the UK’s borders.
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