LONDON, SEPTEMBER 18: A 24-year-old Indian national has become the first person to be charged under new UK border security legislation for allegedly advertising illegal immigration services online, authorities said.
The accused, identified as Hem Raj, is reportedly based in the West Midlands of England. He appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday following an investigation by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and West Midlands Police.
Police arrested Raj at an address in Smethwick on Tuesday and seized several mobile phones from the property.
According to the NCA, the arrest followed the discovery of social media posts allegedly offering assistance with fraudulent visa and asylum applications.
Raj has been charged with allegedly advertising illegal immigration services in violation of Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025.
The NCA said this is the first time the new offence under the BSAI Act has been used in an NCA investigation.
He is also facing a separate charge of allegedly providing immigration advice unlawfully, contrary to provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
NCA Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead said tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the agency and that authorities are working to disrupt networks involved in such activities.
He said the NCA is also focusing on individuals allegedly using online platforms to facilitate immigration-related offences.
The case remains subject to legal proceedings, and the allegations against Raj have not been proven in court.
