A man from the West Midlands has been charged with advertising illegal immigration services online, as part of an investigation involving the National Crime Agency and West Midlands Police.

Officers arrested 24-year-old Indian national Hem Raj at an address in Smethwick on Tuesday 15 September, also seizing mobile phones.

His arrest followed the discovery of social media posts allegedly offering advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.

Raj was later charged with advertising illegal immigration services contrary to Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, and will appear before Birmingham Magistrates later today, Wednesday 16 September.

It is the first time someone has been charged with the new BSAI Act offence as part of an NCA investigation.

He’s also been charged with illegally providing immigration advice in contravention of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

NCA Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead said:

“Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the National Crime Agency, and we are doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle those involved.

“This includes targeting those who facilitate offending using online platforms.”

16 September 2026