Photo credit: BBC
Criminal gangs who advertise small boat crossings across the English Channel or fake passports online could spend up to five years in jail under a new legislation.
Daily Mail reports that ministers are looking to create a new offence under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The bill is already going through parliament in an attempt to crack down on criminal gangs who promote Channel crossings on the internet.
If the law is passed, offenders could be jailed for five years and a hefty fine.
Already, assisting illegal immigration is a crime. Officials, however, feel the changes will give more powers to police to disrupt criminal gangs.
About 80% of illegal migrants arriving UK by small boats say they used social media to link the criminal gang that eventually smuggled them into the UK.
The Home Office said, “Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country – whether on or offline – simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral.
“These criminals have no issue with leading immigrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media. We are determined to do everything we can to stop them – wherever they operate.”
Last week, the government announced that members of people-smuggling gangs who send migrants across the Channel in flimsy boats will face financial sanctions
