A BBC Bargain Hunt art specialist, previously imprisoned for not reporting significant art sales to a man linked to funding militant group Hezbollah, has been unsuccessful in appealing his sentence.
Oghenochuko Ojiri was sentenced to two and a half years in jail and an additional year on probation in June for selling artwork valued at around £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad, identified by US authorities as a suspected Hezbollah financier.
The 53-year-old had admitted to eight violations under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000, becoming the first person charged with this specific offense.
During a recent hearing, Ojiri’s lawyers argued that his sentence should be lessened, citing his alleged naivety. However, three senior judges dismissed the appeal, asserting that Ojiri was fully aware of his actions. They emphasized that despite his inexperience as an art dealer, he knowingly engaged in the unlawful transactions to earn substantial profits.
The art market came under HMRC oversight due to new anti-money laundering regulations in January 2020. Ojiri was accused of not disclosing information about transactions within the regulated art market sector over a specific period.
Prosecutors revealed that Ojiri operated the Ramp Gallery, later known as the Ojiri Gallery, and was aware of Mr. Ahmad’s sanctioned status in the US.
US prosecutors alleged that Mr. Ahmad, identified as a significant Hezbollah financial supporter, used valuable art and diamonds for money laundering purposes, amassing over $160 million in artwork and diamond services through front companies to evade terrorism sanctions.
Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist group in Lebanon supported by Iran, is recognized for its armed resistance against Israel and has been entirely outlawed in the UK as a terrorist organization since 2019.
Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, in her sentencing remarks, noted that Ojiri engaged in a business relationship with Mr. Ahmad for reputation and financial gain, seeking recognition in the art world.
During the appeal, Ojiri’s counsel argued that the judge overlooked Ojiri’s alleged innocence and failed to consider mitigating factors. The Crown Prosecution Service countered by highlighting instances where Ojiri altered invoice details to conceal Mr. Ahmad’s identity, branding the offenses as severe under section 21A.
Although no money was transferred to terrorist organizations, the judges highlighted Ojiri’s deliberate efforts to hide Mr. Ahmad’s identity, concluding that the sentence was appropriate.
Ojiri, based in Brent, North London, previously appeared on various BBC shows as a freelance presenter but has not participated in any BBC programs since 2023. Despite being scheduled to attend the hearing via video link, he declined to appear, as confirmed by a prison officer.
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