The British newspaper The Times revealed, through its investigation, the new ways in which Albanian immigrants arrive illegally in the United Kingdom.
Although Albania is considered a safe country and its citizens are not eligible for asylum in Britain, the illegal journey there continues. Instead of the small boats used in the past, people smugglers are now choosing other methods, such as transporting people by truck from Belgium, with the cost per person reaching 23,000 pounds.
Smugglers promote their services on TikTok, posting ads showing images of the Channel Tunnel, trucks or even fake Greek passports. Interested migrants can choose different ways to enter the UK, depending on how much they are willing to pay. For example, one option is a short 30-50 minute train journey through the Channel Tunnel, while others include clandestine transport by truck or the use of fake documents.
Despite a significant reduction in arrivals by small boats – from 12,024 Albanians in 2022 to 924 in 2023 and 559 by September 2024 – illegal crossings continue. This reduction is due to an agreement between Britain and Albania for the immediate return of migrants, but smugglers have found alternative ways.
Prices and routes
Ads Appear on tikTok with different options and prices:
- Fake greek passport: It takes three months to issue it, with payment being made upon receipt.
- Truck transport from Belgium: It costs 2,300 pounds and is offered as a faster option.
- Crossing the English Channel by small boat: The cost is 3,000 pounds.
In some cases, traffickers also advertise passports with fake fingerprints, without it being clear exactly how identification is ensured.
The role of Albanian "mediators"
Migrant trafficking is mainly organized by Albanian networks, with “middlemen” operating inside and outside Albania. These middlemen recruit migrants, close deals and then hand them over to international criminal networks, mainly Kurdish smugglers who control the sea routes from France.
While TikTok is deleting accounts associated with trafficking, traffickers are simply creating new ones. There are also Albanian “collaborators” within the UK who handle payments and arrange for migrants to join black market work networks.
The British government claims to be cracking down on traffickers, having already deported almost 19,000 people, including rejected asylum seekers.
“Anyone who exploits vulnerable people and spreads false information on social media will face serious consequences,” a Home Office spokesman said. The National Crime Agency is also working with major online platforms to immediately remove advertisements promoting dangerous illegal travel.
