A London art dealer has made legal history after becoming the first person charged under a specific section of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, from west London, 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 alleged offences span from October 2020 to December 2021.
The charges follow an investigation into terrorist financing by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), part of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation was conducted in partnership with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) at HM Treasury, HMRC — which regulates the art market — and the Met’s specialist Arts & Antiques Unit.
Ojiri is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 May.
The case is significant as it marks the first time charges have been brought under section 21A, a law designed to ensure businesses in regulated sectors report suspicious financial activity that could be linked to terrorism.
