Ochuko Ojiri Terrorism Charge: A Nigerian-British art dealer has been charged with a terrorism offence following a police investigation into terrorist financing.
Oghenochuko ‘Ochuko’ Ojiri, 53, was arrested two years ago by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), which is part of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today. According to the Met, the arrest was part of a broader investigation involving wealthy art collector and diamond dealer Nazem Ahmad, who is suspected of financially supporting Hezbollah.
Nazem Ahmad, 60, a dual Belgian-Lebanese national, is currently sanctioned by both the UK and the US. He is accused of exploiting the UK’s fine art market to operate an international financing network for Hezbollah, which is designated as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Mr. Ojiri is recognised for his appearances on BBC programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. He has described himself as being deeply passionate about collecting contemporary artworks, including paintings, prints, sculptures, and drawings.
Ojiri now faces eight charges of failing to make required disclosures in the course of business within the regulated art sector, in violation of section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. These charges cover the period from October 2020 to December 2021. According to the Met Police, he is the first person to be charged with this particular offence.
Mr. Ahmad was first implicated by the US Treasury in 2019 for allegedly laundering large sums of money and participating in the smuggling of “blood diamonds” to benefit Hezbollah. He was sanctioned and later, in April 2024, charged by US authorities along with eight associates for breaching sanctions regulations.
Still on Ochuko Ojiri Terrorism Charge
In 2024, law enforcement raided a high-security storage facility near Heathrow Airport, seizing nearly two dozen pieces of artwork belonging to Mr. Ahmad, which were believed to be intended to finance Hezbollah. Simultaneously, additional artworks were confiscated from a central London auction house. The seized collection, which included works by Picasso and Andy Warhol, was valued at nearly £1 million.
The charges against Mr. Ahmad include defrauding the US and other governments, sanctions evasion, and money laundering. The UK government has also sanctioned him, citing his substantial art holdings in the country and business dealings with UK-based artists, galleries, and auction houses.
US authorities are seeking to prosecute Mr. Ahmad and have offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture. He is believed to be residing in Beirut.
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