Man is first charged under illegal migration laws
GettyA Birmingham man has become the first person to be charged under new laws aimed at tackling illegal immigration.
Hem Raj, 24, has been accused of advertising illegal services on social media, which include posts allegedly offering advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.
He was arrested on Tuesday as part of an investigation involving the National Crime Agency (NCA) and West Midlands Police.
The NCA said Raj, of Hugh Road in Smethwick, has been charged under Section 17 of the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration (BSAI) Act 2025, and is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court.
Raj is also accused of illegally providing immigration advice in contravention of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
His arrest came after his social media posts were spotted by officers, the NCA said.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
