A government official has criticized smugglers who openly advertise small boat trips to the UK on social media by offering “jet boats.”
Mike Tapp stated that authorities are actively combating trafficking gangs, with new laws set to punish those promoting such services on platforms like TikTok with up to five years in prison. Over 10,000 social media posts and accounts related to smuggling were taken down by the National Crime Agency (NCA) last year.
The Home Office estimates that 80% of individuals using small boats to reach the UK utilized social media to coordinate their journeys, urging tech companies to intervene as criminal groups flood these platforms with illicit ads.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mr. Tapp, conveyed to The Mirror: “We are actively targeting the audacious people smugglers who believe they can promote their services on social media without repercussions – they are sorely mistaken.
“The NCA has made significant progress by cracking down on over 10,000 social media accounts associated with smuggling, dealing a significant blow to criminal networks. Our forthcoming legislation will specifically address smugglers who advertise perilous Channel crossings on social media.
“We are enhancing operational capabilities to outpace the smugglers who promote their illegal activities online.” The new law will criminalize the creation of content that encourages violations of immigration laws across the UK.
This encompasses promoting small boat trips, as well as advertising fraudulent document services or illicit job opportunities. The NCA reported the removal of 10,700 such advertisements in 2025.
Some of these ads promoted fake marriage services, forged identity documents, or assistance with deceptive asylum claims. Others enticed individuals with promises of small boat crossings, including claims of “jet boats” for transportation to the UK and a “taxi service” via trucks.
These advertisements were posted in various languages. Mike Hulett, head of the NCA’s Online Communication Centre, stated: “Disrupting the social media presence of these criminal networks is one tactic we are employing to disrupt their operations, a strategy we are constantly expanding.
“It also provides valuable leads for identifying criminals, with several ongoing investigations initiated through this avenue. We are actively collaborating with social media firms to remove such content, maintaining positive engagement with them.
“However, it is evident that more action is needed to prevent platforms from being exploited for promoting criminal endeavors.”
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