The Intelligence from The Economist Economies of sail: migrant-smuggling entrepreneurs
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Apr 8, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Joel Budd, the Social Affairs editor at The Economist, and data journalist Ainsley Johnston delve into the dark world of migrant smuggling. They reveal how these operations resemble small businesses, evolving to embrace technology amid increasing migration. The duo also tackles the urgency of environmental crises, particularly the raging wildfires in East Asia, linking them to climate change. Additionally, they discuss shifting American views on global alliances, reflecting changing political dynamics that impact international relations.
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Smuggling Structure
- Migrant smuggling operations aren't structured like gangs, but rather as diffuse networks of specialists.
- These specialists handle different aspects, like boat supply, migrant recruitment, and payments.
Reasons for Unbundling
- The scale of the smuggling business and police crackdowns have led to its unbundling.
- Increased difficulty in obtaining boats, for example, has created a niche for specialized boat importers.
Information Sources and Migrant Awareness
- Joel Budd interviewed migrants, police (British and French), to learn about the smuggling business.
- Many migrants had been in Europe and were rejected, aware that Britain doesn't share EU fingerprint data.