Instagram profiles offer paid advice for crossing Morocco‑Ceuta border

BBC’s investigative “Top Comment” podcast has uncovered a coordinated network of Instagram accounts that are promoting and celebrating the hazardous swim across the fence separating Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The profiles, which feature photos and videos of migrants navigating the 4‑kilometre stretch of the Strait of Gibraltar, portray the crossing as a daring adventure, often using hashtags that highlight bravery and freedom while downplaying the lethal risks involved.

The podcast’s research indicates that the accounts are linked through shared followers, similar visual branding and cross‑promotion, suggesting an organized effort to attract attention and possibly financial support. Authorities in Ceuta and Spanish immigration officials have warned that the swim remains one of the most dangerous migration routes, with strong currents and patrols leading to frequent drownings. The BBC’s findings raise concerns about the role of social media in encouraging risky migration attempts and highlight the need for heightened monitoring of online content that could influence vulnerable individuals seeking entry into Europe.