Chinese companies are openly advertising so-called “refugee boats” online and offering fast delivery to Europe, sparking outrage as people smugglers continue to exploit these listings to fuel dangerous Channel crossings.
According to The Telegraph, dozens of suppliers are selling inflatable boats described directly as “refugee boats” on the e-commerce platform Alibaba, complete with delivery options and targeted keywords mentioning countries along popular migrant routes, including Italy, Germany, Turkey, Morocco, and Libya.
One company, Weihai Yamar Outdoors Product Co., reportedly told the paper they had numerous European clients purchasing these boats. Another, Hubei Jinlong New Materials, openly markets “refugee inflatable rib boats” and states that a quarter of its business comes from Europe, making it their top market.
These online listings come at a time when Channel crossings are already surging. In 2024, there was a 25% increase in migrant arrivals by small boat, and 2025 has already hit record numbers in just the first four months.
Former UK police officer and international law enforcement specialist Neville Blackwood slammed the situation, saying no one appears to be worried about legal consequences. “Nobody seems to be in fear of arrest or prosecution. It’s business as usual on the Alibaba site,” he told The Telegraph.
He warned that these vessels are often cheap, poorly made, and equipped with unsuitable engines. “To advertise them is just wrong, it’s putting people’s lives at risk,” he said.
A Home Office spokesperson said they welcomed the investigation and highlighted the scale of the challenge in dismantling these supply chains. “We have a strong intelligence picture and are aware of these supply chains,” they said.
The National Crime Agency has taken down 18,000 online listings linked to people smuggling in the last 18 months and seized over 600 boats and engines. But officials admit the problem is international — and bigger than one country can tackle alone.
Earlier this month, the UK hosted representatives from over 40 countries, including China, in a major effort to target these criminal operations. The Home Secretary also confirmed an extra £33 million will go directly into high-impact operations through the Border Security Command, focusing on trafficking routes and supply chains across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Western Balkans.
As thousands continue to risk their lives crossing the Channel, the ease of accessing these so-called “refugee boats” online raises serious questions about international accountability and digital platform oversight.
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