UK Art Expert Pleads Guilty to Failing to Report High-Value Sales to Suspected Hezbollah Financier
A well-known art dealer who has appeared as an expert on the popular BBC programme Bargain Hunt has admitted to failing to report his dealings with a suspected Hezbollah financier, The Guardian can reveal. Oghenochuko Ojiri, a prominent figure in the UK art world, pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to report his transactions with Nazem Ahmad, a man who had been under US sanctions over links to the proscribed organisation.
According to The Guardian, the court heard that Ojiri sold artwork to Ahmad, valued at £140,000, but did not inform the authorities despite being aware of Ahmad’s suspected ties to Hezbollah. The prosecutor, Lyndon Harris, told Westminster magistrates court that Ojiri had negotiated the art sales and congratulated Ahmad on his purchases, while also being aware of news reports referring to sanctions against Ahmad.
At the time of the transactions, which took place between October 2020 and December 2021, Ojiri knew that Ahmad had been sanctioned in the US, The Guardian reported. Harris stated that Ojiri had accessed news reports about Ahmad’s designation and had engaged in discussions with others about his links to Hezbollah. In one conversation, it was apparent that many people had known for years about Ahmad’s terrorism links.
As The Guardian previously reported, US prosecutors allege that Ahmad was a "major Hezbollah financial donor" who used high-value art and diamonds to launder money and fund the group. He is accused of evading terrorism sanctions by using front companies to acquire more than $160m (£120m) in artwork and diamond services.
The charges brought against Ojiri relate to his failure to report these transactions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. After new money laundering regulations were introduced in January 2020, which brought the art market under HMRC supervision, Ojiri is said to have discussed the changes with a colleague, indicating awareness of the rules.
Following the guilty plea, District Judge Clarke granted Ojiri bail but ordered him to surrender his passport and not to apply for international travel documents. Ojiri will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 6 June, where he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
This case highlights the growing concern over the use of high-value art and other luxury goods to launder money and fund terrorist organisations. As The Guardian has consistently reported, the UK government has been working to strengthen its anti-money laundering regulations, including the introduction of new rules governing the art market.
In a statement, The Guardian understands that the authorities are taking a tougher stance on those who fail to report suspicious transactions, particularly those that may be linked to terrorism. This case serves as a warning to art dealers and others in the industry who may be unaware of their obligations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
According to sources close to the case, Ojiri’s failure to report his transactions with Ahmad was a serious breach of the regulations. As The Guardian reported, the art dealer had read news reports referring to sanctions against Ahmad and was party to conversations in which it was said his links to Hezbollah were common knowledge.
The Guardian understands that Ojiri’s role as an expert on Bargain Hunt has made him a well-known figure in the UK art world. However, his involvement in this case has raised questions about the vetting process for experts on television programmes and the need for greater scrutiny of those working in the art industry.
This is a developing story, and The Guardian will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. As the case against Ojiri continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious transactions and the consequences of failing to do so.
