Indian Migrant Charged Under UK's New Border Security Laws
A 24-year-old Indian national has been charged under the UK's new border security laws for advertising illegal immigration services online. Hem Raj, a migrant himself based in the West Midlands of England, was arrested at an address in Smethwick on Tuesday and had his mobile phones seized by police. The arrest followed the discovery of social media posts allegedly offering advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.
Raj appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday and has been charged with advertising illegal immigration services contrary to Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. This is reportedly the first time someone has been charged under this new law as part of an NCA investigation.
Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the National Crime Agency (NCA), according to Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead. He stated that the agency 'is doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle those involved' in such activities, including targeting those who facilitate offending using online platforms.