People smuggling gangs are still openly advertising their services on social media, despite a recent pledge by the government and tech companies to tackle the issue. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a voluntary agreement with TikTok, Twitter, and Meta last week, aimed at removing content that lures migrants onto small boats. However, a Daily Mail investigation found dozens of gangs continuing to promote illegal routes to Britain via dinghy, lorry, and plane.
One advert offered a £3,000 'secret' trip on a 'latest route', while another claimed a '100% security and guarantee' to get people into Britain from Belgium. Undercover reporters posing as migrants were given meeting points and route advice. Some adverts used footage of migrants launching small boats for the Channel crossing.
The investigation also uncovered social media sites offering black market documents, including UK driving licences and work permits. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the revelations showed 'dangerous criminal smuggler gangs' were 'making a mockery' of border security.
Meta stated that people smuggling is illegal and that it removes such content when found. TikTok said it had banned all sites highlighted by the Mail. The findings come despite the government's crackdown promises.
