Recent reports have revealed that illegal migrants are using fake UK passports and driving licences to enter Britain and settle illegally.
These counterfeit documents are being sold for about £5,000 by criminal networks, allowing migrants to bypass immigration laws and find jobs unlawfully in the UK. This scheme has become a serious issue, as it is making it harder for authorities to track and control illegal immigration.
Migrants often purchase these fake documents before traveling to the UK. The deals are usually arranged through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), where ads for these services are posted.
Once migrants arrive in Britain, they collect the fake passports and licences, which look real enough to fool employers and government systems.
These fake documents help migrants claim to be legal residents, making it possible for them to work and live in the UK without being caught. This has become a big concern for authorities like the National Crime Agency (NCA), as it makes organized immigration crime harder to stop.
Social media platforms have been criticized for hosting ads promoting these illegal services. Some companies, like Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram), have removed these ads after being alerted. However, the problem persists, as criminals continue to find new ways to advertise their services.
In some cases, smugglers offer “package deals” to migrants, especially those coming from countries like Albania. For around £6,000, these packages include illegal transport across the English Channel, fake documents, housing, and even job placements in the UK. Platforms like TikTok have also been used to promote these deals, though TikTok has taken steps to remove such ads and direct people to charities that fight human trafficking.
Tory MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke has suggested that the government should use the same social media platforms to warn migrants about the risks of deportation if they are caught using fake documents. He believes this could discourage people from buying into these schemes.
This issue highlights the growing challenges faced by UK authorities in managing illegal immigration. Criminal networks are becoming more advanced, using technology and social media to outsmart law enforcement. The government is now under pressure to tackle this problem and ensure that employers, social media platforms, and the public are all working together to stop these illegal activities.
Authorities continue to investigate these operations, but the rise of fake documents is making it clear that stronger measures are needed to combat this serious issue.
