Bargain Hunt star charged after terrorist financing probe
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The Metropolitan Police have charged a star from the popular TV show Bargain Hunt following an investigation into terrorist financing.
Ogheneochuko 'Ochuko' Ojiri, 53, was investigated by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU) and is now facing a number of charges.
The Met confirmed that Ojiri is the first individual to be charged with an offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000, specifically for failing to disclose information during business within the regulated sector.
Officers say he has been charged with eight counts pertaining to activities between October 2020 and December 2021.
Ojiri is set to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on the upcoming Friday, 9 May.
In their statement, the Met detailed: "Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53 (05.05.72), of west London, has been charged following an investigation into terrorist financing by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), part of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command."
They continued, explaining the charges: "Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, he has been charged with eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector, contrary to section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. The charges relate to a period from October 2020 to December 2021."
Furthermore, they added: "The investigation has been carried out in partnership with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) in HM Treasury, HMRC (the organisation that regulates the art sector), and the Met's Arts and Antiques Unit."
The art dealer, famed for his stints on BBC's Bargain Hunt since 2021, is the founder of Ramp Gallery in London with a focus on emerging and contemporary artists.
Nurturing an early passion for the arts, he carved a niche for himself in the antiques world. Ojiri expressed: "No other industry would accept my rare mixture of sarcasm, cynicism and passion. Ha-ha!".
Together with Juliet Da Silva, he opened the vintage shop and art venue Pelicans and Parrots on Stoke Newington Road in Dalston, offering modern furnishings, homeware and unique gifts.
To complement their pop-up events, they secured a license to serve alcohol at the shop. Speaking about his venture's impact in 2019, Ojiri informed the local council: "We've been trading since 2010, and have been integral to the regeneration of the area.
"We're very proud of what we've achieved in those nine years. We've taken risks and we're proudly part of the community."
Despite shutting the shop in October 2021, he continued to inspire others about the antique trade, advising: "Forget all the rules and buy what you love. The chances are someone else will love it too."
The Ramp Gallery eventually transitioned into the capital's celebrated Ojiri Gallery. Previously speaking with the BBC, he shared his passion: "Contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings. I'm absolutely obsessed, in love and infatuated."
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