BBC Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri has pleaded guilty to eight charges linked to terrorist financing.
The 53-year-old, who has also appeared on Antiques Road Trip, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier on Friday (May 9).
The art dealer is the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He has since been bailed ahead of his sentencing at the Old Bailey, which is scheduled for June 6.
The charges were eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector, after an investigation into alleged “terrorist financing”.
(Image: Jordan Peck|Getty Images)
The Court heard how the art expert had sold art to a known Hezbollah financier for around £140,000.
According to the Met Police, the offences are believed to have happen between October 2020 and December 2021.
They said: “Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53 (05.05.72), of west London, has been charged following an investigation into terrorist financing by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), part of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
(Image: BBC)
“Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, he has been charged with eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector, contrary to section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. The charges relate to a period from October 2020 to December 2021.”
They added: “The investigation has been carried out in partnership with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) in HM Treasury, HMRC (the organisation that regulates the art sector), and the Met’s Arts & Antiques Unit.”
The BBC have said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”
Ochuko founded London’s Ramp Gallery, which specialises in emerging and contemporary artists.
He also opened a vintage shop and gallery called Pelicans & Parrots with Juliet Da Silva in Dalston, London, which sold furniture and other housewares and gifts.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
