A government official has criticized smugglers using social media to openly advertise small boat crossings by offering “jet boats” to the UK.
Mike Tapp stated that the authorities are actively combating trafficking networks, with harsh penalties of up to five years in prison awaiting those who promote such activities on platforms like TikTok. Over 10,000 posts and accounts were taken down by the National Crime Agency (NCA) last year.
According to the Home Office, 80% of individuals arriving via small boats utilized social media to facilitate their journeys, prompting calls for tech companies to take action. Social media platforms are saturated with advertisements placed by organized crime syndicates, investigators revealed.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mr. Tapp, emphasized the government’s efforts to tackle brazen people smugglers operating on social media. He highlighted the NCA’s record crackdown on over 10,000 social media accounts linked to smuggling, a significant blow to criminal networks. A new law targeting smugglers promoting hazardous Channel crossings on social media is set to be enforced soon.
The upcoming UK-wide offense will criminalize the creation of content that encourages violations of immigration laws, including promoting small boat crossings, offering fake documents, or illegal work opportunities. The NCA reported the removal of 10,700 such advertisements in 2025.
Some ads promoted fraudulent services like sham marriages, fake identity documents, or assistance with illegitimate asylum claims. Others enticed individuals with promises of “jet boats” for transportation to the UK or a “taxi service” on trucks, advertised in various languages.
Mike Hulett, head of the NCA’s Online Communication Centre, highlighted the agency’s strategy of disrupting criminal networks by targeting their social media presence. Cooperation with social media companies has been instrumental in removing illicit content, although more action is deemed necessary to prevent platforms from being misused for criminal activities.