A BBC investigation has uncovered a network of Instagram accounts that are profiting from the migration crisis in Ceuta by offering paid advice on how to cross into the Spanish enclave. The accounts, which often use variations of the term 'Haraga' in their names, portray the crossing as safe and easy, but in reality, many have drowned attempting the journey.
The investigation used a dummy account posing as a young Moroccan man to contact several of these profiles. One account responded, claiming to have helped 'many people' and offering advice for a fee of 5,000 dirhams (approximately £400) upfront, with details about 'sewer pipes' to reach the enclave safely. The account requested payment via a specific money transfer service but did not respond when asked about refunds if the crossing failed.
This comes after roughly 78,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta by sea last month, with 100 deaths reported by the Mayor of Ceuta. The crisis has since calmed but has strained relations between EU nations and drawn criticism of the Spanish government.
The BBC identified dozens of interconnected profiles that share what they call 'mirage' content, which deceptively shows Ceuta as a viable route to mainland Europe. In reality, about 75,000 of the 78,000 arrivals were returned to Morocco by authorities. The accounts also manipulate social media algorithms by posting emotive and hopeful content to gain traction.
After the BBC contacted Meta, which owns Instagram, several of the profiles were removed. Meta stated they have a team monitoring the situation in real time and removing content that violates policies, including content offering human smuggling services.
The investigation highlights how gaming algorithms can fuel real-world harm, as these accounts open up a wider pool of paying clients and encourage risky crossings.
Source: BBC News
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