A former art expert featured on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt has received a 30-month prison sentence for failing to declare art sales to a suspected Hezbollah financier.
In a landmark prosecution, 53-year-old Oghenochuko Ojiri pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday to eight counts under the Terrorism Act 2000. He admitted failing to disclose business dealings involving Nazem Ahmad, a known associate of the UK-proscribed terrorist organization, Hezbollah.
Justice Cheema-Grubb stated that Ojiri was aware of Ahmad’s designation as a sanctioned individual by US authorities in 2019. The judge emphasized the severity of the offenses, concluding that only imprisonment was a just penalty, highlighting Ojiri’s knowledge and culpability despite his lack of direct support for extremism.
Ojiri’s defense argued that his actions stemmed from naiveté, expressing his remorse for undermining market trust. However, the prosecution, led by Bethan David of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, contended that Ojiri’s actions were primarily financially motivated, aiming to enhance his gallery’s reputation through association with a prominent collector. This case marks the first of its kind, and the CPS affirmed its commitment to prosecuting such violations.
The investigation began with alerts from US law enforcement regarding suspicious transactions linked to Ahmad, identified as a major Hezbollah donor and involved in illicit activities including the blood diamond trade. A $10 million reward is offered for information leading to his capture. UK authorities traced nearly £140,000 in payments from Ahmad to Ojiri for artworks, including a £20,000 painting, shipped to Dubai and Beirut.
Ojiri, founder of the Ojiri Gallery and known for appearances on various television programs, including Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, conducted several clandestine sales to Ahmad. Despite efforts to conceal Ahmad’s identity, the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit tracked the transactions, leading to Ojiri’s arrest in April 2023.
Further investigation revealed Ojiri’s awareness of Ahmad’s sanctioned status, with evidence found on his phone, including a warning from a colleague. The prosecution highlighted the deliberate use of a pseudonym, “Moss Collector,” in Ojiri’s contacts. The case underscores the updated regulations in the art market since 2020, requiring due diligence to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Police hope this prosecution will serve as a deterrent. Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command stressed the importance of thorough due diligence within the art industry. This case follows a National Crime Agency alert regarding the use of art storage facilities by criminals and the subsequent seizure of nearly £1 million worth of artwork linked to Ahmad.
The BBC confirmed Ojiri is a freelance presenter and is not currently associated with the broadcaster.