Latest news with #NationalTerroristFinancialInvestigationUnit
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri jailed for terrorist financing
Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri has been jailed for failing to report a series of high-value art sales to a man suspected of being a Hezbollah financier. The art dealer, 53, pleaded guilty to eight counts under the Terrorism Act 2000 of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business. He has been sentenced to jail for two and a half years after selling artwork worth around £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad, a man designated by US authorities as a suspected financier for the Lebanese organisation. Ojiri has made regular appearances on the BBC programme as well as Antiques Road Trip. The 53-year-old, from west London, was 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, a Met Police statement reveals. He is the first person to be charged with a specific offence under Section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Described as an 'expert' in a Bargain Hunt Q&A on the BBC's website, Ojiri said he was 'absolutely obsessed' with collecting contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings. More Trending He also discusses his role and says his favourite parts of it are 'meeting new people, and breathing new life and context into forgotten and neglected treasures'. When asked why he chose a career in antiques, he said: 'No other industry would accept my rare mixture of sarcasm, cynicism and passion.' He also said he had 'no idea' why he became involved in Bargain Hunt, and would want to work in 'forecast trends' if not in antiques. View More » 'You're literally looking into the future, deciding what you'll eat before you're even hungry. Mind blowing.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: BBC Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri pleads guilty to terrorist financing
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bargain Hunt star appears in court today for terror offence sentencing
Bargain Hunt expert Ochuko Ojiri is due to appear in court again today as he's set to be sentenced after pleading guilty to terror offences. Ojiri, also known by his full name of Oghenochuko Ojiri, plead guilty to eight counts under the Terrorism Act 2000 of failing to disclose during the course of business within the regulated sector, following an investigation into alleged "terrorist financing" on May 9. Ojiri confirmed in court last month his plea of guilty was for all eight counts. The prosecution was the first of its kind. The Metropolitan Police stated that these offences are believed to have taken place between October 2020 and December Metropolitan Police said the investigation into Ojiri related to his dealings with a suspected funding source for Hezbollah, Nazem Ahmad. When making the deals, Ojiri knew Ahmad was sanctioned by the US as a suspected financier for Hezbollah, a prescribed terror organisation by the UK. The Bargain Hunt star at first denied knowing about Ahmad's notoriety but later admitted he had made the deals for 'excitement and kudos'. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: "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. "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." A CPS summary presented to the court last month stated: "Nazem Ahmad is a suspected terrorist financier and at the time of the business relationship between them it was directly within the knowledge of the defendant that Ahmad had been sanctioned as a terrorist financier of Hezbollah by the United States. 'At the time of the transactions there was a significant amount of material available capable of being obtained through internet searches showing that Ahmad was a person with links to the 'blood diamond' trade and terrorist financing of Hezbollah." The Court heard the arts dealer sold art to a known Hezbollah financier for a value of £138,150. The Metropolitan Police said the investigation into Ojiri related to his dealings with a suspected funding source for Hezbollah, Nazem Ahmad. When making the deals, Ojiri knew Ahmad was sanctioned by the US as a suspected financier for Hezbollah. The Bargain Hunt star at first denied knowing about Ahmad's notoriety but later admitted he had made the deals for "excitement and kudos". As he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on May 9, Ochuko Ojiri pleaded guilty to charges realted to "terrorist financing". He was charged with eight charges of "failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector". When asked in court to provide a plea, Ojiri said: "Guilty" quietly, before he was asked if he pleaded guilty to all eight counts, which he confirmed he had.
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Bargain Hunt star charged after terrorist financing probe
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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."
Leader Live
08-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
BBC Bargain Hunt star charged by police under Terrorism Act
Officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU) have been investigating alleged terrorist financing. In a statement, the Met Police said: "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." It 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 & Antiques Unit." Ochuko Ojiri is one of the experts from Bargain Hunt on the BBC (Image: BBC) According to the Mirror, the charges against the 53-year-old expert relate to the period between October 2020 and December 2021. The Bargain Hunt star, who is apparently the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, May 9. On a Q&A section for the antiques show on the BBC website, he said that he is 'absolutely obsessed' with collecting contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings. He once joked: "No other industry would accept my rare mixture of sarcasm, cynicism and passion. Ha-ha!" Over a decade ago, the dealer opened up a vintage shop and art gallery called Pelicans & Parrots alongside Juliet Da Silva in London. Discussing his business success in 2019, he said: "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." However, despite this, the shop was forced to close in October 2021.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC Bargain Hunt star charged by Met police under Terrorism Act
Bargain Hunt star Ogheneochuko 'Ochuko' Ojiri has been charged by the Metropolitan Police under the Terrorism Act 2000. Officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU) have been investigating alleged terrorist financing. In a statement, the Met Police said: "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." It 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 & Antiques Unit." Ochuko Ojiri is one of the experts from Bargain Hunt on the BBC (Image: BBC) According to the Mirror, the charges against the 53-year-old expert relate to the period between October 2020 and December 2021. The Bargain Hunt star, who is apparently the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, May 9. On a Q&A section for the antiques show on the BBC website, he said that he is 'absolutely obsessed' with collecting contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings. He once joked: "No other industry would accept my rare mixture of sarcasm, cynicism and passion. Ha-ha!" Over a decade ago, the dealer opened up a vintage shop and art gallery called Pelicans & Parrots alongside Juliet Da Silva in London. BBC reveals future of Stacey Solomon reality show - will there be a series 2? Emmerdale star quits show and their final scenes will be shown tonight Richard Hammond set to appear on Amazon Prime's Clarkson's Farm series 4 - watch Discussing his business success in 2019, he said: "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." However, despite this, the shop was forced to close in October 2021.
