Smuggling gangs using TIKTOK to recruit migrants to pilot small boats across the Channel
SMUGGLING gangs are using TikTok to recruit migrants to pilot small boats across the Channel.
Those willing to pilot the dinghies will receive a discounted or free ride to Britain from the Kurdish kingpins.
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They just learn how to turn on the engine and where to fill up with gas.
Some receive a GPS tracker and a telephone with which they can make an SOS call Border Force as soon as they enter our waters.
One photo shows a young pilot with the caption: “France UK 100% Well Done £3,500.”
Many now hide their faces because they know British authorities are trying to identify pilots.
Most videos are deleted after being flagged TikTokbut not before reaching potentially thousands of viewers.
Migrants Choul Phan Maker, 31, from Southern Sudanused to be was sentenced to twenty months in prison on Wednesday for operating a 50-person dinghy last August.
A total of 2,051 people made the dangerous crossing in March, the highest monthly figure so far this year.
It comes as another 263 migrants were apprehended in the 34 kilometer wide space Dover Yesterday in seven boats straits.
Wednesday was the busiest day this year, when 514 migrants reached Britain in ten rubber boats.
The latest figures bring the total for the year to 4,306.
The Home office said 141 people smugglers were convicted last year, 80 of them for operating small boats.
A spokesperson added: “People smugglers often use social media to spread lies and promote their criminal activities.
“It is critical that we use the same platforms to educate migrants about the truths about crossing the canal and coming to Britain illegally.”