Instagram accounts accused of luring migrants to Ceuta with misleading crossing videos
This weekend, Mohammed wants to travel from Morocco to the neighbouring Spanish enclave of Ceuta, on the northern tip of Africa.
A dummy Instagram account was created to investigate a network of Instagram profiles that allegedly lure migrants to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the northern tip of Africa. The investigation revealed that these accounts post misleading videos and content, portraying the short swim around the Morocco-Ceuta border fence as safe and easy.
However, the reality is that people have drowned trying to make the crossing and take longer routes. The Instagram accounts offer help for a fee, claiming to have assisted many people in crossing successfully. One of the accounts even requested payment upfront to assist with the crossing. The BBC was added to multiple channels and WhatsApp groups of these accounts, which suggested they were involved in helping migrants cross to Ceuta.
The influx of migrants to Ceuta has been a contentious issue, with tensions arising between EU nations sharing open borders. The Spanish government has also faced criticism regarding border controls.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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