An official has criticized smugglers for openly using social media to promote illegal small boat journeys to the UK by offering “jet boats.”
Mike Tapp highlighted the government’s efforts against criminal trafficking groups, noting that those caught advertising such voyages on platforms like TikTok could soon face up to five years in prison. The National Crime Agency (NCA) removed over 10,000 posts and accounts related to this activity last year.
The Home Office estimates that 80% of individuals arriving via small boats utilized social media to coordinate their travels, prompting calls for major tech companies to take action. Investigators report that social media platforms are inundated with advertisements placed by organized criminal syndicates.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mr. Tapp, conveyed to The Mirror newspaper: “We are actively combating the audacious people smugglers who believe they can promote their illicit services on social media platforms without detection – they are sorely mistaken.
“The NCA has conducted a substantial crackdown on over 10,000 social media accounts associated with smuggling, dealing a significant blow to criminal networks. Our upcoming legislation targeting smugglers who promote perilous Channel crossings via social media will soon come into effect.
“We are enhancing operational capabilities to outpace the smugglers peddling their illegal activities online.” The new offense, applicable across the UK, will criminalize the production of content that encourages violations of immigration laws.
This includes endorsing small boat journeys, as well as advertising counterfeit document services or offering illicit employment opportunities. The NCA reported today the removal of 10,700 such advertisements in 2025.
Some of these promotions involved fraudulent marriage services, fake identity papers, or assistance with deceitful asylum petitions. Others enticed individuals with small boat journeys, promising the use of “jet boats” for transportation to the UK, or a “taxi service” on the rear of trucks.
These advertisements were published in multiple languages. Mike Hulett, head of the NCA’s Online Communication Centre, remarked: “Disrupting the social media presence of these criminal networks is one tactic in our effort to dismantle their business models, a strategy we are continually expanding.
“It also furnishes valuable intelligence leads for identifying offenders, and several ongoing investigations originated from this source. We maintain close collaboration with social media companies to eliminate such content, and we have constructive dialogues with them.
“Nevertheless, we advocate for further measures to prevent platforms from being utilized for advertising criminal services.”
Opt for Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for swift access to the news content you appreciate.
At <a href="https://www.reach