Latest news with #OchukoOjiri
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Man, 20, charged with terrorism offences after ‘Asda bomb hoax' and ‘fires at ice rink and activity centre'
He remains in custody and is due to appear in court on Saturday 'TERROR' CHARGE Man, 20, charged with terrorism offences after 'Asda bomb hoax' and 'fires at ice rink and activity centre' A MAN has been charged with terrorism offences after a string of alleged arson and bomb hoaxes. Ilyas Akhtar is accused of preparing acts of terrorism, possessing information useful to terrorists, carrying out two arson attacks, and causing a bomb hoax. Advertisement 3 A terrifying blaze broke out at Salt Hill Activity Centre on May 31 3 Another inferno was sparked at the popular Slough Ice Arena on Montem Lane on May 14 The 20-year-old of Cress Road, was charged on Friday after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East. The incidents unfolded in Slough, Berkshire, last month. A terrifying blaze broke out at Salt Hill Activity Centre on May 31. And another inferno was sparked at the popular Slough Ice Arena on Montem Lane on May 14. Advertisement Read More TERROR PROBE Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri charged with TERRORISM after Met investigation Meanwhile, the bomb hoax charge relates to a scare at the Asda supermarket on Telford Drive on May 9. Akhtar remains in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Detective Superintendent Andy Penrith, of Thames Valley Police, said: "We understand that these charges for terrorism offences will be concerning to our communities in Slough. "I want to reassure all our residents that Thames Valley Police is working closely with our communities and partners in Slough as well as our colleagues in counter-terrorism." Advertisement He added that patrols would be increased in the area and urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers or police community support officers. "Due to the ongoing court proceedings, our officers and staff won't be able to provide any further details on this specific case, but we will be there to listen and support our communities," he added. This comes after an unrelated bomb scare sparked fear at an Asda shop earlier today. A spokesperson for the chain told The Sun that the store in Bootle, Merseyside, was closed for around an hour at 11am this morning. Advertisement It has now reopened as usual, Asda said. The store descended into mayhem this morning, with some customers left "crying and screaming". Shoppers and staff were forced to evacuate after rumours of a "bomb threat". But police confirmed it was a false alarm - and it was just a man with a charging cable. Advertisement Posts online said: "Apparently someone is in there with some sort of explosive" while others claimed it was a "machete". Another said on X: "A bomb scare at the Bootle Asda is one way to start me Friday." A Facebook post read: "Just been evacuated from Asda Bootle, everyone [is] running out screaming [and] crying. "Have to say one of the scariest things that's ever happened to me. Advertisement "They're saying [there is] a bomb in there. Everyone stay away from Asda Bootle." Merseyside Police said: "We were called just after 10am today, Friday 6 June, to a report of suspicious behaviour at Asda on Strand Road in Bootle. "It was reported that a man was holding an item which turned out to be a charging cable. "Officers attended and enquiries established it was a false call with good intent. Officers have now left the scene." Advertisement
Metro
06-06-2025
- 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
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Bargain Hunt star is JAILED for terror offence over plot involving priceless artwork and barbaric militant group
A BARGAIN Hunt star has been jailed for a terror offence after flogging artwork to the backer of a barbaric militant group. Ochuko Ojiri - real name Oghenochuko Ojiri - was held following an investigation into terrorist financing. 8 8 He was the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. Ojiri has now been jailed for two-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector. The TV star, who has also appeared on Antiques Road Trip, faced a maximum five years in prison for the offences, which took place between October 2020 to December 2021. Ojiri sold artwork to Nazem Ahmad, a man designated by US authorities as a "major financial donor" for militant group Hezbollah. Prosecutors in America believe Ahmad used high-value art and diamonds to launder money and fund the organisation. At the time, Ojiri knew Ahmad had been sanctioned in the US and read news articles about him. Lyndon Harris, prosecuting, said previously: "There is one discussion where Mr Ojiri is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about his terrorism links." Mr Harris said that Ojiri "dealt with Mr Ahmad directly, negotiated the sales of artwork and congratulated him on those sales". The total value of the artwork sold was around £140,000, with the art sent to Dubai, the UAE, or Beirut. Receipts released by the Met Police show the art included paintings by Charlie Roberts, Mónika Kárándi and an £8,500 piece by British artist Nigel Howlett. Ojiri also flogged a £12,000 bronze sculpture by the same artist, as well as four pieces by Max Rumbol totalling £15,700. One painting - Patty in Blue by Baldur Helgason - was sold to Ahmad for £20,000. 8 8 The court heard new money laundering regulations in January 2020 brought the art market under HMRC supervision. Ojiri is said to have discussed the changes with a colleague - indicating awareness of the rules. His charge came following an investigation into terrorist financing by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), part of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. The Treasury, HMRC and the Met's Arts & Antiques Unit were all also involved in the probe. Police raided two UK warehouses to seize a number of artwork from Ahmad in May 2023. Among the pieces, which were not sold by Ojiri, were two Andy Warhol paintings and a Picasso painting. In total, the Met seized £1million in art, which was sold so the funds can be reinvested back to the police, CPS and Home Office. Ojiri was previously the owner of an art gallery called Pelicans and Parrots that was dubbed "the coolest place in London". He sold a curated selection of contemporary furniture, houseware, and gifts until the store closed in 2021. The antiques expert first appeared on screens on BBC show Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. He then became a regular on popular daytime show Bargain Hunt, where he lends his expert advice to budding antique buyers. Ojiri has also appeared on Antiques Road Show - travelling across the country as he attempts to make a profit on forgotten items. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: 'This case is a great example of the work done by detectives in the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), based in the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. 'The prosecution, using specific Terrorism Act legislation is the first of its kind, and should act as a warning to all art dealers that we can, and will, prosecute those who knowingly do business with people identified as funders of terrorist groups. 'Oghenochuko Ojiri wilfully obscured the fact he knew he was selling artwork to Nazem Ahmad, someone who has been sanctioned by the UK and US Treasury and described as a funder of the proscribed terrorist group Hizballah. 'Financial investigation is a crucial part of the counter terrorism effort. A team of specialist investigators, analysts and researchers in the NTFIU work all year round to prevent money from reaching the hands of terrorists or being used to fund terrorist attacks.' 8 8
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Daily Mail
BBC Bargain Hunt star is jailed for more than two years for terror offence after selling £140k of art to 'suspected Hezbollah terrorist financier'
BBC Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri was today jailed for three years and six months after admitting a terror charge for selling £140,000 worth of art to a suspected Hezbollah backer. The 53-year-old art dealer, who has also appeared on the BBC 's Antiques Road Trip, sold artwork to Nazem Ahmad, a wealthy collector and diamond dealer who was under US sanctions. Ojiri knew Ahmad's background and sought to hide his links to him by doctoring invoices on the art sales and storing his name under an alias on his mobile phone, the Old Bailey heard. Prosecutors said he was motivated by greed and a desire to 'boost the reputation' of his business, the Shoreditch-based Ojiri Gallery, by 'dealing with such a well-known collector'. Today, police released images of invoices Ojiri sent to Ahmad for the artwork, which included paintings, prints and a sculpture ranging in value from £2,250 to £20,000. Ojiri earlier pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to disclose information about transactions in the regulated art market, contrary to section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. His crimes took place between October 2020 and December 2021. He was arrested in Wrexham on April 18, 2023 - the same day the UK Government announced their own sanctions against Ahmad, who is based in Lebanon. Officers then raided two of Ahmad's warehouses in Britain and seized £1million of art, including paintings by Picasso and Andy Warhol. Police today released pictures of the works, which will be sold - with the profits reinvested back into law enforcement. Ojiri sold artwork to Nazem Ahmad, a dual Belgian-Lebanese citizen who is sanctioned by both the UK and US Invoices for some of the artworks Ojiri sold to Ahmad were released today by police US officials believe Ahmad used high-value art and diamonds to launder money and raise funds for Hezbollah. They have offered $10million for information on his whereabouts. Lyndon Harris, prosecuting, said: 'At the time of the transactions, Mr Ojiri knew Mr Ahmad had been sanctioned in the US. 'Mr Ojiri accessed news reports about Mr Ahmad's designation and engaged in discussions with others about his designation. 'There is one discussion where Mr Ojiri is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about his terrorism links.' The Crown Prosecution Service said it believes Ojiri's prosecution under Terrorism Act legislation is 'the first of its kind' against an art dealer. Mr Harris said Ojiri 'dealt with Mr Ahmad directly, negotiated the sales of artwork and congratulated him on those sales'. 'They are not sham transactions - the art was sent to Dubai, the UAE, or Beirut,' the prosecutor added. Ahmad, 60, has been accused by the US Treasury of being a 'major donor' to Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist political and terrorist group based in Lebanon that is known for its opposition to Israel. The artworks included paintings, prints and a sculpture ranging in value from £2,250 to £20,000 Officials also claim he has been involved in the sale of 'blood diamonds'. Following the introduction of new money laundering regulations in January 2020 that brought the art market under HMRC supervision, Ojiri is said to have discussed the changes with a colleague, indicating awareness of the rules. 'Mr Ojiri communicated to a colleague that he knew that these regulations applied to him and his business,' Mr Harris said. Ojiri first appeared on screens on the BBC's Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. He previously owned a vintage shop in the capital called Pelicans & Parrots - which was dubbed 'the coolest place in London - before it closed in October 2021. He went on to become a regular on Bargain Hunt and has previously also starred on Antiques Road Trip since 2021. Ojiri was also featured on Channel 5's Storage: Flog the Lot! The investigation that prompted the charges against Ojiri was carried out by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit, which is part of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command. Prosecutors said Ojiri doctored the invoices to hide the fact he was selling the art to Ahmad The Treasury, HMRC and the Met's Arts & Antiques Unit were all also involved in the probe. The maximum sentence for his offences was five years. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said after Ojiri's sentencing: 'This case is a great example of the work done by detectives in the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), based in the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. 'The prosecution, using specific Terrorism Act legislation, is the first of its kind, and should act as a warning to all art dealers that we can, and will, prosecute those who knowingly do business with people identified as funders of terrorist groups. 'Oghenochuko Ojiri wilfully obscured the fact he knew he was selling artwork to Nazem Ahmad, someone who has been sanctioned by the UK and US Treasury and described as a funder of the proscribed terrorist group Hizballah. 'Financial investigation is a crucial part of the counter terrorism effort. 'A team of specialist investigators, analysts and researchers in the NTFIU work all year round to prevent money from reaching the hands of terrorists or being used to fund terrorist attacks.' A wanted poster issued by American officials makes it clear they consider Ahmad to be a serious player, with a $10million (£7.52m) reward offered for information on his whereabouts Bethan David, Head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: 'It is clear that Oghenochuko Ojiri was aware of new money laundering regulations in the art world and that he had knowledge of Nazem Ahmad's background. 'Ojiri engaged in activity designed to conceal the identity of the true purchaser by changing the details on invoices and storing Mr Ahmad's name under a different alias in his mobile phone. 'His motivation appears to be financial along with a broader desire to boost his gallery's reputation within the art market by dealing with such a well-known collector. 'This prosecution is believed to be the first of its kind, and the CPS will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against individuals who flout the law in this way.' Ojiri has previously described his love of collecting items including contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings - telling the BBC: 'I'm absolutely obsessed, in love and infatuated.' Asked what he liked about appearing on Bargain Hunt, he said: 'Who doesn't like a bargain? I certainly do. I also love the passion of the contestants, and their many likes and dislikes.' 'When I find something I love my heart pounds. There's no other feeling like it.' He was a freelancer and not employed directly by the BBC.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Hezbollah 'financier' linked to BBC Bargain Hunt star: Wealthy art collector Nazem Ahmad is a suspected 'blood diamond' dealer and money launderer who is sanctioned by Britain and US 'for funding terror group'
Dressed in blue jeans and reclining in a sleek leather armchair, he looks every inch the high-flying international businessman. But Nazem Ahmad is in fact a wanted man - accused by the US and UK of using his role as an art collector and diamond trader to raise funds for Hezbollah, the brutal Iran-backed terror group. The 60-year-old was today named in court as a business contact of art dealer and BBC Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri, who had been accused of selling Ahmad £140,000 worth of art in 2020 and 2021 despite being aware of his background. Today, at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Ojiri dramatically pleaded guilty to eight charges under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000 by failing to report the transactions to the authorities. According to prosecutors, Ojiri first struck up a business relationship with Ahmad in October 2020. By this point, Ahmad had already been sanctioned by the US Treasury, with officials accusing the dual Belgian-Lebanese national of being a 'major' donor to Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group dedicated to the destruction of Israel. A wanted poster issued by American officials makes it clear they consider Ahmad to be a serious player, with a $10million (£7.52m) reward offered for information on his whereabouts. Alongside money laundering and terrorism financing, he is also alleged to be involved in the smuggling of 'blood diamonds' - a term used for stones mined in conflict zones before being traded on the black market. None of this appears to have stopped Ojiri from working with Ahmad while director of his eponymous Ojiri Gallery in the trendy London district of Shoreditch. According to prosecutors, he was fully aware Ahmad had been sanctioned by the US, reading news reports about him on his phone while openly discussing the diamond dealer's alleged links to global terror. Prosecutor Lyndon Harris today told a judge that Ojiri 'dealt with Mr Ahmad directly, negotiated the sales of artwork and congratulated him on those sales'. The businessman had first been sanctioned as a terrorist financier by the US Treasury in 2019. In April 2024, he was charged by the US alongside eight associates of using front companies to acquire more than £120 million in artwork and diamond services. British police played a key role in the case against him, swooping on a high-security depot at Heathrow Airport last year before seizing nearly two dozen works of art in his collection. Linked raids at a London auction house recovered more works he had been planning to sell, including paintings by Picasso and Andy Warhol. The proceeding years had seen a tightening of money laundering regulations that, in January 2020, brought the art market under HMRC supervision. Ojiri is said to have discussed the changes with a colleague, indicating awareness of the rules. Counter-terror police investigating Ahmad's business dealings first arrested Ojiri in April 2023, but he claimed to be unaware of his alleged links to terror. But he backtracked in a second interview in July 2023, admitting to officers that he knew he was the subject of US sanctions. According to a CPS summary to a CPS summary of the interview, Ojiri told officers that links with Ahmad were seen as a 'great accolade' due to his reputation in the art work. He said he was 'sorry' for his actions and claimed to have been motivated by the 'excitement and kudos of dealing with a ''name'' in the collecting world', rather than greed. Prosecutors say the artwork sold by Ojiri appears to have been sent to Dubai, the UAE or Beirut - where Ahmad is currently believed to be located. Ojiri, meanwhile, is awaiting sentencing at the Old Bailey on June 6. It represents a dramatic downfall for the previously respected antiques specialist, who first appeared on screens on the BBC's Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. He then became a regular on Bargain Hunt, gaining a reputation for his enthusiastic on-screen demeanor and love of hats, before also appearing on the BBC's Antiques Road Trip. Away from the TV screen, he owned a vintage shop in the capital called Pelicans & Parrots, which was dubbed 'the coolest place in London' before shutting its doors in October 2021. Ojiri has described his love of collecting items including contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings - telling the BBC: 'I'm absolutely obsessed, in love and infatuated.' Today, district judge Briony Clarke granted bail but ordered him to surrender his passport and not to apply for international travel documents. He now faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. In the UK, the entirety of Hezbollah - both its military and political wings - has been banned as a terrorist group since 2019.
