BBC Presenter Ochuko Ojiri Charged with Terrorism Offences
A well-known television personality, Ochuko Ojiri, has been charged with terrorism offences following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. According to GB News, Ojiri, whose real name is Oghenochuko Ojiri, was held over a probe into terrorist financing.
The 53-year-old art dealer, who has been a regular on BBC shows such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow, faces serious charges related to his business activities in the regulated sector. As reported by GB News, he has been charged with eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector.
The offences allegedly took place between October 2020 and December 2021, and are specifically related to terrorist financing, according to the Metropolitan Police. The charges fall under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000, legislation designed to combat the financing of terrorist activities. GB News reported that Ojiri is the first person to be charged with this specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The investigation was conducted by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), which forms part of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. Multiple agencies collaborated on the investigation into the TV personality’s business dealings, including the Treasury, HMRC, and the Met’s Arts & Antiques Unit. As GB News noted, the case represents a significant precedent in the application of counter-terrorism legislation.
The charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service following their investigation. Ojiri, from west London, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 9. The court will hear the case against the television personality, who has become familiar to viewers through his appearances on popular BBC antiques programmes.
As GB News reported, the probe specifically targeted terrorist financing activities, and the collaboration between financial and specialist art crime units suggests the complex nature of the investigation. Authorities have been investigating the matter since the alleged offences occurred more than three years ago, and the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the complex investigation that resulted in these unprecedented charges.
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