Cunning Tactics Employed by People Smugglers to Evade French Authorities and Transport Boatfuls of Channel Migrants to the UK
Modern Tactics Used by People Traffickers
Crafty smugglers have been upping their game, employing an array of strategies to boost the likelihood of successful Channel crossings into the UK. Here's a lowdown on their latest moves:
- Simultaneous Push Offs: Traffickers have adopted an audacious strategy of launching multiple small boats at once to ditch French law enforcement. This tactic puts more lives at risk and overwhelms search and rescue teams.[1]
- Packing in the People: To amplify the chances of success, smugglers have been cramming more migrants into flimsy dinghies. In 2025, over 54 people were crammed into single boats, up from 50 in 2024.[2]
Authorities and Their Countermoves
The authorities are not standing still and are taking decisive steps to counter the tactics of these dodgy operators:
- Negotiating New Deals: UK and French officials are in talks to improve the security situation, aiming to crack down on smuggling gangs. The negotiations are in the early stages.[1]
- Demanding Financial Assistance: The French authorities are pushing the UK for more money to facilitate the return of boats to shallow waters, a strategy that would save numerous lives and resources.[1]
- Technology and Surveillance: There's talk about implementing hi-tech surveillance and US-style marine barriers for better interception of dinghies at sea.[3]
- Tactical Policing: To thwart the attempts of migrants to board boats, French police are using controversial measures like tear gas and pepper spray. However, the use of such tactics is carefully considered to avoid endangering children.[1]
[1] Frontex official update (source)
[2] Home Office figures (source
[3] Potential use of US-style marine barriers (source)
[4] Smugglers offering services at high costs (source)
[5] UK-France security and enforcement cooperation (source)
- The recent surge in Channel crossings by people traffickers has prompted the UK and French authorities to address the issue through policy-and-legislation and negotiation, with proposed countermeasures including new deals, financial assistance, technological surveillance, tactical policing, and potentially US-style marine barriers.
- Amidst these measures, people traffickers continue to exploit general-news topics such as crime-and-justice and politics, employing tactics like simultaneous push offs and packing in the people to ensure successful crossings, thereby putting more lives at risk.
