A government official has criticized individuals using social media to openly promote illegal small boat crossings by advertising “jet boats” to reach the UK.
Mike Tapp mentioned that authorities are actively combating trafficking networks, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison for those promoting 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 using small boats to enter the UK leveraged social media to aid their journey, prompting calls for major tech companies to intervene. Criminal organizations are reportedly flooding online platforms with advertisements, as per investigators.
Mr. Tapp, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, informed The Mirror that, “We are actively targeting audacious human smugglers who believe they can advertise their illicit services on social media without repercussions – they are sorely mistaken.
“The NCA has significantly cracked down on over 10,000 social media accounts associated with smuggling, dealing a blow to criminal networks. Our newly enacted legislation will soon address smugglers promoting dangerous Channel crossings on social media.”
He added, “We are enhancing operational capabilities to outmaneuver smugglers peddling their illegal activities online.” The new offense applicable nationwide will criminalize the creation of content that encourages violations of immigration laws.
This includes endorsing small boat journeys, advertising counterfeit document services, and promising illicit employment opportunities. The NCA revealed that 10,700 such advertisements were removed in 2025.
Some of these ads promoted fake marriage services, forged identity papers, or assistance with fraudulent asylum applications. Others enticed individuals with small boat crossings, assuring them of transportation to the UK via “jet boats” or a clandestine “taxi service” on the rear of trucks.
These advertisements were published in various languages. Mike Hulett, head of the NCA’s Online Communication Centre, stated, “Disrupting the social media presence of these criminal groups is one tactic we employ to dismantle their business models, a strategy we continually expand.
“This approach also yields vital intelligence to identify offenders, with several ongoing investigations originating from such leads. Our collaboration with social media platforms for the removal of this content is ongoing, and we maintain constructive dialogue with them.
“However, it is evident that more action is required to prevent these platforms from being utilized for promoting criminal services.”
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