See How People-Smuggling Gangs Are Openly Using TikTok to Advertise Illegal Journeys from Britain

People-smuggling gangs are openly using TikTok to advertise illegal journeys from Britain into mainland Europe, raising fresh concerns about how organised criminal networks are operating on social media.ling gangs are openly using TikTok to advertise illegal journeys from Britain into mainland Europe, raising fresh concerns about how organised criminal networks are operating on social media.

One TikTok account, created only last month, has uploaded several videos promoting what it describes as “UK to France” trips. The clips appear to show groups of around a dozen men and women sitting inside enclosed lorries, surrounded by pallets as they prepare to leave Britain. Some of those inside the vehicles are seen smiling and looking directly at the camera.

The videos are not hidden or secretive. They include travel dates, mobile phone numbers, lorry emojis and references to destinations across Europe. Flags representing countries including France, Germany and Italy also appear in the posts, suggesting the routes extend beyond France into other parts of Europe.

One video advertising a journey scheduled for July 2 includes the words “Safe game” alongside a promotion for a “UK to Europe” route, giving the impression that the crossings are being marketed as organised transport services rather than dangerous and illegal operations.

The footage has sparked concern among migration experts. Rob Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, said the videos expose serious weaknesses in Britain’s border security and demonstrate how confidently people-smuggling gangs are operating.

He argued that the country’s borders are increasingly being exploited by organised criminal networks, claiming it appears that people-smugglers have become the ones controlling illegal movement rather than the authorities. According to Bates, the fact that these videos are being shared publicly on social media shows how bold the gangs have become.

He also warned that while public attention has focused heavily on small boats crossing the English Channel, illegal crossings involving lorries have received far less attention despite continuing to take place. He said lorry smuggling has not disappeared and remains an important part of the criminal networks’ operations.

Bates explained that whenever law enforcement increases pressure on one smuggling method, criminal gangs quickly adapt by changing their tactics. Instead of stopping, they simply find new ways to move people across borders, making it more difficult for authorities to keep up.

He also raised concerns about weaknesses in legal migration routes. Bates suggested that some nationalities are allegedly abusing tourist visa systems to enter countries such as France before attempting further illegal travel. He argued that these routes can then be used by people who have previously failed asylum claims or who may be trying to avoid immigration enforcement after becoming involved in criminal activity.

The discovery of these TikTok videos follows several earlier investigations into social media accounts advertising illegal migration routes. Previous posts have promoted small boat crossings into Britain, with one Albanian-language account claiming migrants could leave almost immediately without waiting, comparing the process to having a plane ticket already booked.

Other online accounts have also advertised illegal crossings by yacht, while investigations earlier this year found that people-smuggling networks were using social media platforms to promote small boat journeys to potential migrants in countries including Iran.

The Home Office said the Government is continuing its efforts to tackle illegal migration and disrupt the criminal gangs behind it. Officials said enforcement action has led to record numbers of removals of migrants who arrived by small boat, while asylum claims have fallen by 12%.

The department also pointed to a new agreement with France designed to strengthen enforcement along the coastline and target the organised gangs responsible for arranging dangerous crossings. According to the Home Office, joint operations have prevented more than 44,000 attempted crossings since the election.

Officials added that almost 70,000 people living in the UK illegally have been removed or deported, representing a 41% increase, and said further measures are being introduced to reduce the incentives that encourage illegal migration to Britain.