Art Expert Ochuko Ojiri Pleads Guilty In Landmark UK Terrorism Financing Case

British-Nigerian art dealer and former Bargain Hunt expert Oghenochuko “Ochuko” Ojiri has pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to disclose transactions linked to terrorism financing; the first conviction of its kind in the United Kingdom under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, the 53-year-old admitted to failing to report £140,000 worth of art sales between October 2020 and December 2021 to Nazem Ahmad, a man sanctioned by the US and UK governments for alleged ties to Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organization.

Prosecutor Lyndon Harris told the court that Ojiri, who owns the East London-based Ojiri Gallery (formerly Ramp Gallery), knowingly continued business dealings with Ahmad despite being aware of his sanctioned status.

“There is one discussion where Ojiri is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about [Ahmad’s] terrorism links,” Harris stated.

The court also heard that Ojiri directly negotiated art deals with Ahmad and congratulated him on purchases, despite UK sanctions prohibiting any business with him following an asset freeze in 2023.

The transactions came under scrutiny following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s specialist Arts and Antiques Unit, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), and HM Revenue & Customs.

Although Ojiri’s gallery employed external compliance consultants, the prosecutor noted the legal advice was “not properly acted on.”

Hezbollah is designated a terrorist organization by both the UK and US governments and is known to be backed by Iran.

Ojiri, who has appeared on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip, and Channel 5’s Storage: Flog the Lot!, has not featured on BBC programming since 2023. He currently works as a freelance presenter and art expert.

The judge granted Ojiri bail under strict conditions, including the surrender of his passport and a ban on applying for international travel documents. Sentencing is expected at a later date.