A small-boat smuggler named Salar is currently offering discounted “Christmas special” packages for migrants seeking to cross illegally from France to the UK. Salar promotes his services on an open Telegram group and refers to the perilous crossing attempts he organizes as “the game.”
In a conversation with a Telegraph reporter posing as a migrant in Germany, Salar mentioned, “To reach England, I am organizing ‘games’ for 15 people this Christmas. Special offers will be available from December 25th to 29th due to favorable weather conditions. Hopefully, you will arrive in England before the new year.”
Salar started advertising the Christmas crossings on December 17 through his Telegram channel, sharing wind forecast screenshots and stating, “Hello dear friends. Boat game. Dates 25, 26, 27; calm waters expected. Wishing you all the best.”
Social media platforms like Telegram and TikTok have become crucial tools for smugglers to connect with migrants worldwide seeking to escape crises and conflicts. Groups on the internet, like the one managed by Salar, have transformed into active online hubs for illicit border crossings. These operations have facilitated an estimated 30,000 migrants reaching the UK this year.
In early December, the UK and Germany announced a collaborative effort to combat criminal organizations smuggling migrants to the UK, with a particular emphasis on removing their content from social media platforms. The initiative also seeks to disrupt the supply chain of small boats used for crossing the Channel, many of which are suspected to be manufactured in Turkey or China and stored in Germany.
Salar’s group, with a profile image of five individuals in a dinghy, boasts over 540 members mainly comprising Afghan and Iranian migrants. The group’s extensive message history dates back to at least early 2023, suggesting a potential continuation from a previous social media channel. Despite periodic shutdowns by authorities, new channels promptly emerge, highlighting the ongoing challenge for governments like the UK in addressing this issue.
Salar promptly responds to queries in the group and is transparent in his interactions, urging individuals to make swift decisions due to high demand for Christmas crossings. He advises depositing the full payment at a money exchange shop to secure a spot on the boat, emphasizing that a higher payment can result in a less crowded boat and potentially a safer journey. Children can avail of discounted rates.
For those unable to afford the full fee of €2,500 per person, a riskier option involves boarding boats designed for 20 passengers but accommodating up to 60 or 70 individuals. This dynamic is why Salar likens his services to a ‘game,’ blending elements of risk and strategy.
Salar also introduces the “Salar guarantee,” assuring that in case of an emergency like the boat appearing to sink, he or his associates would alert the French authorities to ensure the safety of passengers.
Rescuing a boat at sea can be a perilous task. In truth, a smuggler’s promise of safe passage carries no certainties – the whims of wind and weather can swiftly change, the vessels used for these journeys are not suited for such treacherous crossings and may deflate or sink, and the engines can falter. This year has marked the deadliest on record for Channel crossings, with the United Nations reporting that 52 lives have been lost in the pursuit of reaching new shores.
In the intricate web of migrant smuggling, each operator strives to set themselves apart, vying for the attention and patronage of those seeking passage to the UK. Among these operators is Salar, who seeks to distinguish himself through a blend of tactics aimed at attracting migrants to his services. Testimonials flood online platforms, extolling the virtues of Salar’s methods and successes. One such video showcases a delighted individual expressing gratitude towards Salar for facilitating their journey on a boat with 55 others, culminating in a picture supposedly depicting their safe arrival in a British locale.
The caption accompanying the post details the migrant, Ali’s, prior unsuccessful attempts to cross the English Channel, contrasted with the apparent success achieved under Salar’s guidance. A brief snippet of Ali’s voyage in October, packed aboard a crowded boat, is captured on camera and shared within the group, reinforcing the notion of participating in “Salar’s game.”
In another video documenting a successful arrival, the hustle and bustle of British streets are briefly glimpsed before the camera settles on a pair of fluttering British flags. A voice off-screen declares the date as November 1, 2024, heralding their safe arrival in London with a group of 15 individuals aboard the vessel.
In a strategic move, Salar routinely disseminates updates from the UK Government regarding migrant arrivals, using this information as a badge of accomplishment. Additionally, he offers practical assistance, such as sharing current exchange rates and providing logistical support for migrants navigating their way across Europe towards Calais, a pivotal departure point for the Channel crossings.
“I can facilitate your journey from Germany to Calais, even if you choose not to embark on the final leg across the Channel with us,” Salar reassures potential clients. “Chances are, someone has recommended us to you, and our track record speaks for itself.”
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