Indian National Hem Raj Charged by UK NCA Over Illegal Immigration Ads
Hem Raj, 24, became the first person charged by the NCA under the UK's Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 for advertising fraudulent visa/asylum services on social media. Arrested in Smethwick, he also faces charges under the 1999 Immigration Act. Scroll below to know more about the case.
A 24-year-old Indian national based in the UK's West Midlands has appeared in court as the first person charged under new border security legislation for promoting fraudulent immigration and asylum services on social media.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Hem Raj, a migrant residing in the West Midlands, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court following a joint investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and West Midlands Police, reports NCA. Julian Assange Returns to Social Media; WikiLeaks Founder Posts 'I'm Back' on X.
Police arrested Raj at a property in Smethwick on Tuesday, September 15, confiscating mobile phones from the address. According to the NCA, the arrest followed the discovery of online posts offering guidance on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.
Legal Charges and Statutory Framework
Raj faces formal prosecution under two legislative instruments governing immigration advisory and security standards:
- Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 (BSAI Act): Charged under Section 17 for advertising illegal immigration services. Marking a precedent, the NCA confirmed: "It is the first time someone has been charged with the new BSAI Act offence as part of an NCA investigation."
- Immigration and Asylum Act 1999: Charged separately with unlawfully providing regulated immigration advice.
Law Enforcement Response
Addressing the operational milestone, Kevin Broadhead, NCA Branch Commander, stated, "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." UK High Court Rules in Favour of Interfaith Couple Over Unlawful Separation in Detention.
Regulatory and Investigative Background
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration legislation provides UK enforcement agencies with expanded statutory powers to penalise digital facilitators who market illegal entry pathways, fraudulent documentation, or unauthorised asylum consulting. Online monitoring of social media recruitment channels has become a core pillar of NCA efforts targeting facilitation networks operating across regional UK hubs.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 03:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).