British-Nigerian art dealer and television personality Ochuko Ojiri has pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences for failing to report high-value art sales to a man sanctioned over alleged ties to Hezbollah.
The 53-year-old, known for his appearances on BBC shows like Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, admitted to eight charges of failing to make disclosures under the Terrorism Act 2000. His prosecution marks the first in the UK under this particular provision of the law.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that between October 2020 and December 2021, Ojiri sold around £140,000 worth of artwork to Nazem Ahmad, who has been sanctioned by the United States and the UK for allegedly funding the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.
Prosecutor Lyndon Harris said Ojiri was aware of Ahmad’s connections to terrorism, referencing discussions and news sources the dealer had accessed. In one instance, Ojiri was part of a conversation where it was openly acknowledged that many had known of Ahmad’s alleged terror affiliations for years. Ojiri personally negotiated sales with Ahmad and congratulated him on his acquisitions.
While Ojiri’s East London-based Ramp Gallery (now Ojiri Gallery) had enlisted a third party for compliance advice, the court was told that the guidance was not effectively implemented. Ahmad was first sanctioned by the US in 2019, followed by UK sanctions in 2023, which included asset freezes and a ban on UK businesses transacting with him.
Authorities say Ahmad had amassed a significant art collection in the UK and maintained ties with several artists and galleries. Hezbollah is recognised as a terrorist organisation by both the UK and US governments.
Ochuko Ojiri, who last appeared on BBC programming in 2023 and is also linked to Channel 5’s Storage: Flog the Lot!, now works as a freelance presenter. His case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s arts and antiques unit, HMRC, and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.
Under UK law, failing to report suspicions of terrorism financing involving clients or associates is a criminal offence. Ojiri was granted bail but must surrender his passport and is barred from seeking any travel documents while awaiting sentencing.
