UK Targets Online Ads for Channel People Smuggling

The UK government is introducing a new offence under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to criminalize the online promotion of illegal Channel crossings, fake travel documents, and black-market jobs, with offenders facing up to five years in prison and hefty fines. The move is aimed at disrupting people-smuggling gangs who use platforms like TikTok to lure migrants, exploiting around 80% of those making the journey. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the immorality of these gangs, who are responsible for leading migrants into life-threatening situations, and stressed the government's determination to stop them. The crackdown responds to a record surge in Channel crossings this year, with over 25,000 migrants arriving so far. The new law provides law enforcement with enhanced tools to disrupt and prosecute smuggling networks, supplementing recent financial sanctions against gang members and enablers. It also seeks to counteract evolving tactics by organized crime groups using social media to reach migrants.