An investigation by Britannia Daily has uncovered adverts on an Albanian-language social media account offering a package described as allowing customers to fly to Ireland or directly to the UK for “4.5k,” alongside separate posts claiming to remove London ULEZ and Congestion Charge fines.
Screenshots obtained by Britannia Daily show an Albanian-language social media account advertising a travel package that promises customers passage to Ireland or directly to the UK, quoted at a price of “4.5k.” The adverts have drawn attention because of Ireland’s position within the Common Travel Area (CTA), which allows for movement between Ireland and the UK largely free of routine immigration checks. The same account also appears to advertise unrelated services relating to London’s road-charging schemes, including claims that it can remove ULEZ and Congestion Charge penalty fines.
What the adverts say
One post on the account reads: “Merr pasaporten shqiptare ne xhep pa stres pa mundime dhe fluturo drejt irlandes 🇮🇪 ose direkt drejt 🇬🇧,” which translates approximately as: “Get your Albanian passport in your pocket without stress or hassle and fly to Ireland or directly to the UK.” A further post gives a price, stating: “4.5k direkt ne avion pa shqetesime tjera” – roughly, “4.5k directly on the plane, without any other worries.” The account directs interested individuals to make contact for further details.
Britannia Daily has preserved screenshots documenting the wording and pricing used in these advertisements. The material establishes that the account advertises travel to Ireland or the UK by plane at a quoted price of “4.5k,” and provides a way for prospective customers to get in touch. However, the screenshots do not, by themselves, establish the identity of those running the account, confirm whether the figure refers to pounds sterling or another currency, or determine whether the service being offered amounts to an unlawful immigration route.
Why the Ireland route raises questions
The advertisement’s reference to travel via Ireland is notable because Ireland and the UK together form the Common Travel Area, an arrangement built around the long-standing free movement rights of British and Irish citizens. Under current UK Government guidance, there are no routine immigration controls on journeys within the CTA, and no immigration checks are carried out at the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
However, the Government has stressed that anyone travelling within the CTA remains subject to the immigration laws of whichever jurisdiction they enter, and that UK authorities retain the ability to carry out intelligence-led checks on arrivals. Individuals of other nationalities are not automatically covered by the CTA’s free movement provisions and can still be subject to standard visa and immigration requirements. The advertisement obtained by Britannia Daily does not itself confirm whether the service being marketed is lawful, but its specific reference to travel via Ireland or directly into Britain raises questions about the nature of what is being offered.
Claims of ‘free ULEZ’ and fine removal
Separately, the same social media account carries advertisements relating to London’s road-charging schemes. One post uses the phrase “Kalim ne free ulez,” translating approximately as “Pass through free ULEZ.” Another states “Heqim gjobat e c.zone dhe ulez,” meaning roughly “We remove Congestion Zone and ULEZ fines.” These posts appear alongside other services advertised by the same account, including vehicle insurance and rental.
Transport for London (TfL), which operates both the Ultra Low Emission Zone and the Congestion Charge, has a formal process allowing motorists to challenge a Penalty Charge Notice, normally within 28 days of issue. Motorists whose representations are rejected can escalate their case to an independent adjudicator. TfL has also previously warned motorists to be cautious of unofficial websites and services claiming to assist with Congestion Charge matters.
It remains unclear from the advertisements alone what the account means by claiming it can “remove” ULEZ and Congestion Charge fines, or whether the service involves legitimate formal representations made on a motorist’s behalf, or something else entirely.
Questions over the wider operation
Britannia Daily’s investigation found the account advertising a range of services spanning international travel arrangements, vehicle-related products and assistance with London’s road-user charges. The combination of these offerings, promoted through the same channel, has raised questions about the overall nature of the operation and precisely what customers are paying for when they respond to the adverts. The identity of those behind the account has not been established.
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