Oghenochuko "Ochuko" Ojiri, a 53-year-old star of the BBC shows Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, has pleaded guilty to charges of terrorist financing following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Ojiri is the first individual to be charged under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000, a significant legal precedent that highlights the increasing scrutiny on the art market regarding its potential links to terrorism.
During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 9, 2025, Ojiri admitted to eight counts of failing to disclose information during business transactions within the regulated sector, specifically related to art sales. The prosecution revealed that he sold artwork valued at approximately £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad, a known financier for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The charges stem from transactions that occurred between October 2020 and December 2021. Prosecutor Lyndon Harris stated that Ojiri was aware of Ahmad's designation as a terrorist financier, which had been sanctioned by U.S. authorities. “At the time of the transactions, Mr. Ojiri knew Mr. Ahmad had been sanctioned in the U.S.,” Harris told the court. “Mr. Ojiri accessed news reports about Mr. Ahmad’s designation and engaged in discussions with others about his designation.”
In fact, the court heard that Ojiri had been part of conversations indicating that many in the art community had known about Ahmad's alleged links to terrorism for years. Despite this knowledge, Ojiri maintained a business relationship with Ahmad, negotiating the sale of artworks and even congratulating him on successful purchases.
Ojiri, who operates a gallery in London, initially denied any knowledge of Ahmad's notoriety. However, during a subsequent police interview, he admitted that he was aware of the sanctions when entering into the business deals. He described his dealings with Ahmad as motivated by “excitement and kudos” rather than financial greed.
The total value of the art sold to Ahmad was reported to be around £138,150 across nine transactions, with the artwork being sent to locations such as Dubai and Beirut. This revelation underscores the serious implications of the transactions, as U.S. prosecutors have accused Ahmad of using high-value art and diamonds to launder money for Hezbollah.
Ojiri's case has garnered significant attention not only because of his celebrity status but also due to the broader implications for the art market. The investigation was conducted by the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU) of the Metropolitan Police, in collaboration with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which regulates the art sector.
New money laundering regulations introduced in January 2020 had placed the art market under stricter oversight, highlighting the need for transparency in high-value transactions. Harris noted that Ojiri had discussed these regulatory changes with a colleague, indicating his awareness of the legal requirements surrounding art sales.
District Judge Briony Clarke granted Ojiri bail but mandated that he surrender his passport and refrain from applying for international travel documents. His sentencing is scheduled for June 6, where he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Ojiri, known for his distinctive hats, first appeared on Antiques Road Trip in 2021 and has been an integral part of the Bargain Hunt team since 2019. The BBC has stated that it would not comment on ongoing legal proceedings, but Ojiri has not participated in any of the network's programs since 2023.
His journey into the world of antiques began with a passion for vintage clothing, leading him to open a vintage shop named Pelicans and Parrots in Dalston, east London, which closed in 2021 after 11 years of operation. Ojiri has described himself as “absolutely obsessed” with collecting contemporary art, and his expertise has earned him a reputation within the art community.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential vulnerabilities within the art market, particularly regarding its susceptibility to criminal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing. The increasing regulatory scrutiny reflects a growing awareness of these issues, and Ojiri's case may pave the way for more stringent oversight in the future.
With the art world already grappling with challenges related to provenance and authenticity, the implications of Ojiri's actions raise critical questions about the responsibilities of art dealers and the measures in place to prevent the exploitation of the art market for illicit purposes.
As Ojiri prepares for sentencing, the art community watches closely, aware that the outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The intersection of art and law continues to evolve, and this case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in an industry that often operates behind closed doors.
