Bargain Hunt expert charged with terrorist financing failures

In the United Kingdom, Oghenochuko Ojiri, a 53-year-old art dealer and expert on the BBC's Bargain Hunt, has been charged with eight counts of failing to disclose information related to terrorist financing. The charges were made by the Metropolitan Police following an investigation that uncovered Ojiri's involvement in high-value art transactions with Nazem Ahmad, a man suspected of being a financier for the terrorist organization Hezbollah. The investigation spanned from October 2020 to December 2021, culminating in a prosecutorial charge under the Terrorism Act 2000. This case marks a significant legal precedent as it is the first of its kind invoking section 21A of the Terrorism Act, highlighting the stringent measures being taken to combat financing of terrorism within the arts and antiques sector. Ojiri is known for his role in the art community as the founder of Ramp Gallery, now named the Ojiri Gallery, located in north-east London. The court proceedings revealed that Ojiri had facilitated sales of artwork worth approximately £140,000 directly to Ahmad, despite being aware of Ahmad's suspected links to proscribed groups. The Metropolitan Police's specialized arts and antiques unit, alongside HMRC and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, led the investigation that scrutinized Ojiri's business dealings within the regulated sector, which includes art dealing. Testimonies in court indicated that Ojiri had access to information regarding Ahmad's sanctions by US authorities and engaged in discussions about his financial connections to terrorism. Furthermore, the prosecutor noted that Ojiri congratulated Ahmad on his purchases and communicated directly with him during negotiations, which ultimately brought to light the failures in compliance within the art business sector. The investigation into Ojiri's actions reflects a growing attention to the potential for art and antiquities to serve as conduits for money laundering and terrorist financing, warranting oversight by regulatory bodies. In light of these events, the implications for the art market are significant. Charges against Ojiri not only impact his personal reputation and business but also emphasize the importance of compliance and due diligence for art dealers to ensure that they are not unwittingly facilitating criminal activities. As the case progresses, it raises questions about the responsibilities of art professionals and the need for enhanced vigilance against financial crime in the arts industry.