More than 8,000 social media accounts linked to people smuggling taken down

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More than 8,000 social media accounts linked to people smuggling were taken down following referrals from the National Crime Agency last year, the law enforcement body said. Social media remains a key way the organised crime groups involved in people smuggling promoting their illegal services to migrants. Sophie Austin, operations manager at the NCA’s Online Communication Centre, said: “Social media remains a key way the organised crime groups involved in people smuggling promoting their illegal services to migrants. “As a result, our partnership with them has seen a significant increase in the number of accounts we have identified and taken down in the last year – up more than 40% since the end of 2023.” The NCA first launched its operation with the four social media platforms in December 2021 “to help build understanding of how organised criminals used their platforms to advertise illegal services and limit gangs’ ability to exploit victims and plan dangerous illegal crossings,” the body said.