Art Expert from Bargain Hunt, Ochuko Ojiri, Admits Guilt after Police Probe into Alleged Terrorist Funding
Art dealer Ochuko Ojiri, who's known for his appearances on shows like Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, finds himself in hot water following an investigation into his ties with terrorism financing. The Westminster Magistrates' Court uncovered that Ojiri knowingly sold art to a suspected financier of Hezbollah, valued at around £140,000.
Prosecutor Lyndon Harris revealed that Ojiri sold art to Nazem Ahmad, a man sanctioned in the US for his suspected financial backing of Hezbollah. Even though Ojiri was well aware of Ahmad's designation, he continued to exchange artworks and generate sales, as detailed in ample news reports about his terrorism links apparently going unnoticed by many[1][2].
Each sale of artworks, shipped to Dubai and Beirut individually, led to a charge against Ojiri. In court, his defense lawyer argued that Ojiri wasn't a flight risk because he consistently returned to the UK, even knowing potential charges were looming[1][2].
Ojiri awaits sentencing at the Old Bailey on June 6, with his passport already surrendered, ensuring he won't be jetting off anywhere[1][2].
This trial underscores the importance of reporting unusual activities in the art trade to prevent terrorist financing. As the UK enforces its anti-terrorist financing laws, high-value art dealers, just like Ojiri, must adhere to due diligence and disclose any potential links to terrorist funding[1][2].
[1] UK Terrorism Act 2000[2] OJIRI, OGHENOCHUKO "OCHUKO" OJIRI - Case Details and Court Results
- Ahmad, the man sanctioned for his suspected financial backing of Hezbollah, was the recipient of artworks sold by art dealer Ochuko Ojiri.
- Ojiri, who is known for his appearances on shows like Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, is awaiting sentencing for selling art to Ahmad, despite knowing about his designation.
- Politics and general-news outlets have reported on the fact that Ojiri's terrorism links appeared to go unnoticed by many, leading to the charges against him.
- In the case of crime-and-justice, high-value art dealers like Ojiri must adhere to due diligence and disclose any potential links to terrorist funding, as underscored by this trial.
