New Offence to Crack Down on Social Media Promotion of Channel Crossings

Criminal gangs advertising migrant Channel crossings on social media could face up to five years in jail as part of a new offence being introduced to crack down on the dangerous journeys. The move comes as protesters were arrested in London after confronting police at a migrant hotel, with many of those arriving in boats telling officials they used social media to find people associated with a gang. The Home Office says many are sold a "false narrative" about living and working in the UK.

Key Takeaways:

• The new offence will be introduced to crack down on social media content promoting migrant Channel crossings, with those found guilty facing up to five years in jail.
• Over 80% of those arriving in boats tell officials they used social media to find people associated with a gang.
• The Home Office says many migrants are sold a "false narrative" about living and working in the UK.
• The National Crime Agency has been working with social networks since 2021 to remove around 22,000 posts promoting organised immigration crime.
• Last year, more than 8,000 posts were taken down, a 40% increase from the previous year.
• A Preston-based smuggler, Amanj Hasan Zada, promoted his services on social media and is now serving 17 years in jail.
• The new offence is part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.

Statistics:

• 80% of those arriving in boats tell officials they used social media to find people associated with a gang.
• 22,000 posts promoting organised immigration crime have been removed from social media since Dec 2021.
• 8,000 posts were taken down in the last year, a 40% increase from the previous year.
• Amanj Hasan Zada, a Preston-based smuggler, is serving 17 years in jail.

Sources:

• "Criminal gangs who advertise Channel crossings on social media could face five years in jail", The Daily Mail.
• "Home Office warns migrants of 'false narrative' about life in the UK", The Times.
• National Crime Agency.
• Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (currently going through Parliament).