VOI World/ Desk
An Indian national has become the first person charged under a new UK offence targeting the online promotion of unlawful immigration services.
Hem Raj, 24, from Smethwick in the West Midlands, was arrested on September 15 by officers from the UK National Crime Agency and West Midlands Police. Investigators seized mobile phones after identifying social media posts allegedly offering advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.
Raj has been charged under Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, which criminalises creating or publishing online material that promotes unlawful immigration services. The offence covers content on internet services, including social media platforms.
The legislation defines unlawful immigration services as services intended to help someone breach immigration law or commit specified immigration or identity-document offences. A conviction on indictment can carry up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
The National Crime Agency said this is the first time the new Section 17 offence has been used in an NCA investigation. Raj also faces a separate charge of illegally providing immigration advice under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Raj appeared before magistrates on September 16. His case is due to proceed to a Crown Court plea hearing on October 14, according to reports. He was granted conditional bail.
The case marks the first major prosecution under a new UK legal provision aimed specifically at online promotion of unlawful immigration services.
