People Smugglers Cut Prices to Exploit Migrant Crisis
2nd August 2026
Traffickers take on new operatives to meet demand after chaotic storming of Spanish enclave fuels false hopes for thousands
But are they ‘false’? That’s the question.
People-smuggling networks are cutting prices on small boat crossings to Britain to exploit the growing European migrant crisis.
The Telegraph was offered a Channel crossing for as little as €600 (£513) per person on Friday afternoon – at least €200 cheaper than the week before.
Traffickers spoke of their “excitement” after 60,000 migrants stormed the Spanish enclave of Ceuta this week, even though most were quickly returned to Morocco.