Breaking News: UK-Based Art Dealer Ochuko Ojiri Confesses to Terror-Related Offenses
Ochuko Ojiri, a Nigerian-British art dealer, has admitted to eight charges related to funding terrorism.
He was accused of selling artwork to a man suspected of financing Hezbollah. Ojiri, a 53-year-old art dealer who has appeared on BBC shows, appeared in Westminster Magistrates Court today.
The charges against Ojiri, whose full name is Oghenochuko Ojiri, stem from a period between October 2020 and December 2021.
He used to own a vintage shop in London called Pelicans & Parrots, which closed in October 2021.
The shop was known for selling contemporary furniture, houseware, and gifts. Ojiri, known for his appearances on BBC’s Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, pleaded guilty to all eight charges in court today.
The prosecution stated that Ojiri sold artwork to a man named Mr. Ahmad, suspected of financing Hezbollah.
Ojiri was aware of Mr. Ahmad’s sanctioned status in the US during the transactions. The investigation into Ojiri was conducted by the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit, with assistance from the Treasury, HMRC, and the Metropolitan Police’s Arts & Antiques Unit. Ojiri is set to be sentenced at the Old Bailey in London on June 6.
REACTIONS
@NaijaJusticeWatch:
“This is beyond shocking! How does an art dealer get involved in terrorism financing? We need stricter financial monitoring!”@GlobalNewsTracker:
“The art world just took a dark hit. Ochuko Ojiri’s guilty plea raises serious questions about international money flow. #CrimeAndArt”@ConcernedCitizen234:
“So much trust placed in these elites… and now this? SMH. He should face the full weight of the law!”@TheRealFactFinder:
“Eight charges? That’s no accident. Let’s hope this opens the door to more accountability and deeper investigations.”@ArtInsiderUK:
“From galleries to courtrooms. This case will forever stain the reputation of modern African art dealers. Sad day.”
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