A new investigation has raised concerns over an alleged people-smuggling network using luxury yachts to transport migrants into the United Kingdom, with reported prices reaching more than £15,000 per person.

According to an exclusive report by The Sun, undercover reporters found that suspected smugglers were advertising “same-day” trips to Britain using high-end vessels instead of the small boats commonly associated with Channel crossings.

The report claims the alleged network promoted yacht journeys as a more comfortable and less suspicious way to enter the UK. Instead of crowded rubber boats, passengers were reportedly offered spaces on luxury vessels leaving from parts of Europe and arriving near England’s southern coast.

The Sun said one undercover reporter contacted a suspicious online advert and posed as an Albanian national who had previously been deported from Britain. The conversation later moved to WhatsApp, where the alleged smugglers reportedly demanded cash payment before travel.

According to the investigation, the group claimed the journey would be “relaxed” and “secure,” with a limited number of passengers on board. The reported fee was around £15,500 for one seat, and payment was allegedly required in cash before the passenger could board.

The report also suggested that yachts may attract less attention than small boats, especially when docking at smaller marinas. This has increased concerns that organized networks could be adapting their methods to avoid tighter border checks.

The investigation comes amid wider debate in the UK over illegal migration, deportations, and re-entry cases. The Sun reported that thousands of people removed from Britain in recent years have later been found back in the country, with some cases involving individuals previously deported.

Authorities have already seen similar yacht-related cases. In one recent case mentioned by The Sun, two men were jailed after helping run a “premium” smuggling operation by yacht. Their vessel was intercepted off the coast of West Sussex last year.

After The Sun reported the account to TikTok, the platform reportedly removed it for breaching rules related to human trafficking. The newspaper also said it would pass its findings to the National Crime Agency.

The case highlights how smuggling networks are allegedly using social media, encrypted messaging, and luxury imagery to promote illegal routes. It also shows how quickly these groups may change tactics when traditional routes become more heavily monitored.

While the claims remain based on an undercover media investigation, the report has sparked fresh questions about border security, online recruitment, and the growing sophistication of people-smuggling operations.

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39637660/albanian-people-smuggling-luxury-yachts-crooks-england/