• September 19, 2026

Indian Man Charged Over Social Media Posts Offering Fraudulent Visa Services and Asylum Advice

Indian Man Charged Over Social Media Posts Offering Fraudulent Visa Services and Asylum Advice

LONDON Sept 19: A 24-year-old Indian national has been charged with advertising illegal immigration services online following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and West Midlands Police.

Chem Raj, from the West Midlands, was arrested by officers at an address in Smethwick on Tuesday, 15 September. Police also seized mobile phones during the operation.

The arrest followed the discovery of social media posts allegedly offering advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications, according to the NCA.

Chem Raj has been charged with advertising illegal immigration services, contrary to Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. He is due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 16 September.

The case marks the first time an individual has been charged under the new BSAI Act offence as part of an NCA investigation.

Chem Raj also faces a charge of illegally providing immigration advice, in contravention of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

NCA Branch Commander Kevin Broadhead said tackling organised immigration crime remained a top priority for the agency, adding that officers were targeting individuals who facilitate offences through online platforms.

The NCA said Chem Raj’s social media posts were identified by officers during the investigation.