UK art dealer charged with “FAILING TO REPORT” a suspicion of "terrorist financing" (the first charge ever)
08/05/2025
An art dealer who appeared as an expert on the BBC's Bargain Hunt has been charged with terror offences, the Metropolitan Police has said.
On Friday, Mr Ojiri, known as Ochuko Ojiri, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, of West London, has been charged with eight counts of "failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector", following an investigation into "terrorist financing".
The Met added that the alleged offences occurred between October 2020 and December 2021. The forces specialist arts and antiques unit, alongside the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and HMRC, carried out the probe.
The force said it is the first charge of its kind under section 21A of the Terrorism Act of 2000.
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.
Section 21A mandates that individuals in regulated sectors, such as art dealers and financial institutions, must report any suspicions of terrorist financing or involvement in criminal activities
Mr Ojiri is listed on Bargain Hunt's website as one of the show's experts. He has also appeared on Antiques Road Trip and Channel 5's Storage: Flog the Lot!
He founded the Ramp Gallery, a contemporary art showroom now known as the Ojiri Gallery, based in Stoke Newington in north-east London.
On Friday, Mr Ojiri, known as Ochuko Ojiri, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
References
[1] UK Art Dealer Charged in Historic Terrorist Financing Case https://fincrimecentral.com/uk-art-dealer-charged-terrorist-financing/
[2] Art dealer charged as part of Met investigation into terrorist ...https://news.met.police.uk/news/art-dealer-charged-as-part-of-investigation-into-terrorist-financing-497067
[3] Terrorism Act 2000 - Legislation.gov.uk https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/11/section/21A
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