The National Crime Agency (NCA) has announced that a man from the West Midlands has been charged with advertising illegal immigration services online.
The charge falls under a new criminal offence created by the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025.
According to the NCA, this is the first time anyone has been charged with the new offence as part of an NCA investigation.
We are sharing this news because it matters to anyone who looks for immigration help online. Below, we set out what the NCA has said and what the law says about who can give immigration advice in the UK.
What the NCA Has Said
In a statement published on 16 September 2026, the NCA confirmed the following:
The investigation involved the NCA and West Midlands Police.
Officers arrested Hem Raj, a 24-year-old Indian national, at an address in Smethwick on Tuesday 15 September. Mobile phones were also seized.
The arrest followed the discovery of social media posts that allegedly offered advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.
Raj was charged with advertising illegal immigration services, contrary to Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025.
He was also charged with illegally providing immigration advice in contravention of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
He was due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates on Wednesday 16 September.
NCA Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead said that tackling organised immigration crime "remains a top priority for the National Crime Agency". He added that this includes going after people who use online platforms to facilitate offending.
These are charges only. Raj has not been convicted of any offence and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. As the case is now before the courts, we will not comment on it further.
What Is the New Section 17 Offence?
Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 deals with the online advertising of unlawful immigration services.
In simple terms, a person commits an offence if they create or publish material online that promotes an unlawful immigration service, and they know or have reason to suspect that the material has that purpose or effect.
The offence targets the advertising itself. So posting or creating this kind of content online can now be a crime in its own right.
Who Can Legally Give Immigration Advice in the UK?
Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, it is a criminal offence to provide immigration advice or services in the UK unless you are qualified to do so.
Qualified advisers include:
Solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Barristers
Chartered Legal Executives authorised for immigration work
Advisers registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)
The IAA was known as the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) until 16 January 2025.
This applies to advice on visa applications, asylum claims, nationality, removal and appeals. It does not matter whether the advice is paid or unpaid, if it is given in the course of business.
How to Protect Yourself When Looking for Help Online
Social media is full of people offering immigration help. Some are genuine. Some are not. Here is what you can do:
Check the adviser is regulated. Solicitors appear on the SRA register. IAA advisers can be checked through the GOV.UK adviser search.
Ask for a regulator number. Regulated firms are open about who regulates them.
Never use false information or documents. Any application built on false details puts you at serious risk, whatever the adviser tells you.
Be careful with advice given only through direct messages. A proper adviser will be happy to give you their full name, firm details and regulator.
If you are unsure whether the advice you have received is correct, book a consultation with our team for a second opinion.
About NARA Solicitors
NARA Solicitors is a UK immigration law firm based in Canary Wharf, London. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 8006464).
We advise individuals on visa applications, refusals and appeals. We also help businesses with sponsor licences, Certificates of Sponsorship and Home Office compliance.
If you need immigration advice, speak to a regulated solicitor. It protects you and your application.
Book a consultation with NARA Solicitors today.
Sources
National Crime Agency, Man charged over social media posts allegedly linked to immigration crime, 16 September 2026: https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/man-charged-over-social-media-posts-allegedly-linked-to-immigration-crime
