A 29-year-old man has been arrested in north London after he was caught advertising small boat crossings on a TikTok account. The man was arrested from his home in Brent on Thursday, November 3, and his mobile phone was seized.
NCA Investigation into Online Adverts
As part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into the advertising of illegal immigration services online, the man was caught promoting crossings from the UK to Europe, including France, Germany and Italy. This became a crime in February 2026. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Official Response
NCA senior investigating officer Martin Matthews said: “Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the National Crime Agency, and we are doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle those networks involved.
“This includes targeting the use of online platforms to advertise suspected illegal crossings.”
Social Media Takedowns
The Home Office said 18,000 social media accounts used to sell spaces on small boats have been taken down by the NCA from July 2024 to April 2025 – 10,000 more than the previous year.
