An art dealer who appeared as an expert on the BBC's Bargain Hunt has pleaded guilty to failing to report his dealings with a suspected Hezbollah financier. Oghenochuko Ojiri admitted eight offences under the Terrorism Act at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.
The court heard that Ojiri sold artwork worth £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad between October 2020 and December 2021, despite knowing Ahmad was under US sanctions for links to the proscribed organisation Hezbollah. Prosecutor Lyndon Harris stated that Ojiri had read news reports about the sanctions and participated in conversations where Ahmad's terrorism links were described as common knowledge.
US prosecutors allege that Ahmad was a 'major Hezbollah financial donor' who used high-value art and diamonds to launder money. He is accused of evading sanctions by using front companies to acquire over $160 million in artwork and diamond services.
Ojiri is the first person charged with such an offence. He was granted bail on condition he surrender his passport and not apply for international travel documents. Sentencing is scheduled for 6 June at the Old Bailey, where he faces a maximum of five years in prison.
