Man arrested over TikTok account advertising illegal crossings

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 17:00 · Archive

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in London for allegedly using TikTok to advertise illegal crossings.

A 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Brent, north-west London, on 3 November as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the online promotion of illegal immigration services. Officers seized his mobile phone during the operation. The arrest followed the discovery of a TikTok account allegedly advertising illegal crossings from the UK to several European countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Germany.

Martin Matthews, senior investigating officer at the NCA, said: 'Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the National Crime Agency, and we are doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle those networks involved. This includes targeting the use of online platforms to advertise suspected illegal crossings.' The activity is believed to be in breach of Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. The Evening Standard reports that this became a crime in February 2026.

The man has been bailed pending further enquiries. The Home Office said the NCA took down 18,000 social media accounts used to sell spaces on small boats between July 2024 and April 2025, an increase of 10,000 compared with the previous year.

How it is being reported

• Man arrested in London over TikTok account advertising small boat crossingsThe man was caught for promoting crossings in small boats from the UK to countries in EuropeEvening Standard · 4 Nov, 16:30
• TikTok account allegedly advertising illegal crossings sparks arrest in LondonA 29-year-old man has been arrested in Brent as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into the online promotion of illegal immigration services.This Is Local London · 4 Nov, 14:41

In this story: National Crime Agency · Brent · Martin Matthews · Home Office

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