Smuggler offers ‘Christmas special’ as UK braces for surge of migrant crossings

A brazen human trafficker has begun advertising “Christmas special” deals for migrants seeking to cross the Channel from France to the UK.

Using an open Telegram group, the smuggler, known as Salar, refers to the dangerous crossings as “the game,” seeking to lure potential customers with promises of favourable weather and reduced prices during the festive season.

He told undercover reporter posing as a migrant: “To go to England, I have 15-person ‘games’ for Christmas.

“From the 25th until the 29th, there will be special offers as the weather is also good – God willing, you will be in England before the new year.”

Salar started promoting such crossings on December 17, posting screenshots of wind forecasts along with messages like, “Boat game. Dates 25, 26, 27; there are no waves at all. Wishing you all the best.”

Social media platforms such as Telegram and TikTok have enabled the likes of Salar to connect with migrants hoping to flee war and hardship.

His group, which features a profile picture of a dinghy carrying five people, has more 540 members, primarily Afghan and Iranian migrants. Thousands of messages in the group date back to early 2023, suggesting he runs a well-established operation.

These platforms have turned into bustling marketplaces for illegal crossings. Since the start of 2024, 38,784 people have arrived in the UK via illegal means, 81% on small boats, according to Government figures – and with the weather certain to improve as spring arrives, a fresh surge is inevitable next year.

Despite efforts by governments to crack down on smuggling operations, such channels frequently resurface after being shut down by authorities.

Salar actively markets his services in the group, responding quickly to inquiries and offering advice. He boasts about his success rate, sometimes sharing videos of migrants arriving in the UK or praising his operation mid-crossing.

A man is heard saying in one video posted from a boat near British waters: “Salar’s game. We are all Salar’s game,” a man is heard saying in one video posted from a boat near British waters.

The Telegraph reports that Salar tailors his services to varying budgets, offering less crowded boats for higher-paying migrants, which increases the chances of a safer crossing. Children can travel at half price, while those unable to pay the full fee of €2,500 (£2074) may face riskier journeys in overcrowded boats. Some vessels designed for 20 passengers are loaded with 60 to 70 people, amplifying the dangers.

Salar even advertises a so-called “Salar guarantee,” claiming that if a boat shows signs of sinking, his network will alert French authorities to ensure the passengers are rescued.

In reality, no such guarantee can protect against the sheer unpredictablity of the weather, engine failures, or the poor condition of the boats. This year has already been the deadliest on record for Channel crossings, with 52 migrants losing their lives, according to the UN.

Governments are intensifying efforts to combat these smuggling networks. Earlier this month, the UK and Germany announced a partnership focused on dismantling the supply chains for small boats and removing smuggling-related content from social media. Many of these boats are believed to be manufactured in Turkey or China and stored in Germany before being used in Channel crossings.

Despite these measures, Salar continues to thrive, offering logistical help to migrants traveling across Europe to reach Calais, even if they do not ultimately cross with him.

In one past he boasts: “I can help you arrive in Calais from Germany, and I do not mind if you do not travel [across the Channel] with us.

“I’m sure someone introduced us to you, and you know our work is guaranteed.”

Salar posts exchange rates to assist migrants in calculating costs and stresses the urgency of booking a spot.

He added: “As the weather and all conditions are good, I suggest you decide soon as many people are calling us now, and you will not find a spot later – everyone wants to cross over Christmas.”

His audacious marketing and adaptability exmpasises the challenges which authorities face in tackling criminal gangs, the destruction of which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insists he is committed to.

A Reform UK spokesman told Express.co.uk: “Starmer promised to smash the gangs and instead we have smugglers openly mocking our borders now.

“The flood of unchecked foreign young males across our border is an undeniable danger to national security.

“Reform UK are clear – stop the boats. Detain and deport those who do arrive.”

Express.co.uk has contacted the Home Office for comment.