Smethwick, West Midlands, UK: An Indian national has become the first person to be charged under a new UK law targeting the advertising of illegal immigration services online.

Hem Raj, 24, from Smethwick in the West Midlands, was arrested on September 15 as part of a joint investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and West Midlands Police. Officers also seized mobile phones during the operation, according to the NCA.

The investigation began after authorities identified social media posts allegedly offering advice relating to fraudulent visa and asylum applications.

Raj has been charged with advertising illegal immigration services, an offence under Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. The NCA said this is the first time a person has been charged with the new offence as part of an NCA investigation.

He has also been charged with illegally providing immigration advice, contrary to the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Raj was due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on September 16, 2026.

The NCA said the case forms part of its efforts to tackle organised immigration crime and people who allegedly facilitate immigration-related offending through online platforms.

The allegations against Raj have not been proven in court, and the case remains subject to legal proceedings.