Bargain Hunt art dealer sentenced to over two years for failing to disclose transactions under Terrorism Act 2000
A High-Profile Art Case with National Security Implications
A London-based art dealer who once featured on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt has been jailed for two years and six months after admitting to selling artworks worth £140,000 to a sanctioned financier linked to Hizballah.
Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, from west London, pleaded guilty to eight offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 for failing to disclose suspicious financial transactions. The conviction marks the first prosecution of its kind involving terror financing in the UK art world.
Who Was Involved?
The investigation focused on Ojiri’s dealings with Nazem Ahmad, a Lebanese art collector sanctioned by both the UK and US governments for allegedly funding Hizballah, a proscribed terrorist organisation. Despite knowing of Ahmad’s status, Ojiri continued to trade with him between October 2020 and December 2021.
The Metropolitan Police’s National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU) led the probe in collaboration with US Homeland Security and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
What Happened?
Ojiri was arrested on 18 April 2023 in Wrexham, where police seized artwork—including pieces by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol—worth nearly £1 million.
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Investigators found invoices issued under false names to disguise Ahmad’s involvement.
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WhatsApp messages showed Ojiri discussing anti-money laundering regulations as early as 2020.
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Evidence on his phone revealed clear knowledge of Ahmad’s US Treasury sanctions.
Ojiri bypassed mandatory reporting duties that have been in place since 2019 for UK art dealers, instead prioritising “financial gain and prestige,” according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Why It Matters
This landmark case highlights the vulnerability of the art market to financial crime. It underscores how international sanctions can be circumvented through high-value transactions in unregulated markets.
Quotes:
Commander Dominic Murphy, Met Counter Terrorism Command:
“This prosecution should serve as a warning to art dealers and anyone in the luxury market: we will pursue those who enable or fund terrorism.”
Bethan David, CPS:
“Ojiri was fully aware of Ahmad’s status but chose to conceal his identity to boost his gallery’s credibility and financial returns.”
What Happens Next?
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Ojiri was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 6 June 2025.
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The seized artworks will be sold, with proceeds used to support law enforcement and government counter-terrorism operations.
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The case is now a reference point for anti-money laundering compliance in the UK’s art sector.
