Ochuko Ojiri, a well-known Nigerian-British art dealer and TV personality, has pleaded guilty to eight charges related to financing terrorism. He admitted to selling artwork to a man suspected of supporting the Hezbollah group.
The 53-year-old, who became popular from several BBC shows, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning to enter his plea.
Ojiri was charged under section 21a of the Terrorism Act 2000. He faced eight counts of failing to report suspicious financial activities while doing business in the regulated art industry, and he has now admitted to all of them.
These offences happened between October 2020 and December 2021.
Ojiri used to run a vintage shop in London named Pelicans & Parrots, which closed in October 2021. The shop was once called “the coolest place in London” and sold furniture, home goods, and unique gifts.
As an expert in antiques, Ojiri gained fame through the BBC show Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.
In court, Ojiri wore a grey suit, large clear glasses, and a blue polka dot tie as he stood in the dock to plead guilty to all charges.
The court heard from prosecutor Lyndon Harris, who explained that Ojiri sold artworks to a man named Mr Ahmad. Mr Ahmad is believed to be involved in financing Hezbollah.
Despite knowing that Mr Ahmad was already sanctioned in the United States, Ojiri continued doing business with him.
The prosecution also said that Ojiri had been aware for years about Mr Ahmad’s suspected terror links.
New money laundering laws came into effect on January 10, 2022, which required art dealers to follow strict rules under HMRC. Ojiri told a colleague that he knew these rules applied to him and his gallery.
Although Ojiri’s gallery, The Ramp Gallery, received advice about staying within legal boundaries, this advice wasn’t followed properly.
Throughout the time period in question, Ojiri worked directly with Mr Ahmad, arranging and finalizing art sales. The total value of these sales was about £140,000. The artworks were reportedly shipped to Dubai or Beirut.
Ojiri’s lawyer, Gavin Irwin, said the maximum sentence for these charges is five years. He asked the court to allow Ojiri to remain on bail, which required him to surrender his passport and not apply for new travel documents.
Judge Briony Clarke agreed to the bail request and scheduled Ojiri’s sentencing at the Old Bailey in central London for June 6.
Ojiri’s lawyer also said he is not a flight risk and has always returned to the UK when needed, even knowing he could be charged.
The investigation into Ojiri’s case was led by the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit, part of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The Treasury, HMRC, and the Metropolitan Police’s Arts & Antiques Unit also helped with the investigation.
