British-Nigerian art expert and TV personality Ochuko Ojiri, known for appearing on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, has admitted to multiple charges under anti-terrorism laws after failing to disclose high-value art sales to a man accused of supporting Hezbollah.

The 53-year-old pleaded guilty to eight counts of not making required disclosures under the Terrorism Act 2000 — marking the first time the UK has prosecuted someone under this specific provision.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that Ojiri was involved in the sale of artworks valued at £140,000 between October 2020 and December 2021.

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The buyer, Nazem Ahmad, had been sanctioned by the US in 2019 and later by the UK in 2023 over alleged financial ties to the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah, which is classified as a terrorist organisation by both countries.

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Prosecutor Lyndon Harris stated Ojiri had knowledge of Ahmad’s sanctioned status. “There is one discussion where Ojiri is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about [Ahmad’s] terrorism links,” Harris told the court.

Despite appointing a compliance adviser at his East London gallery — formerly known as Ramp Gallery and now trading as Ojiri Gallery — Harris said Ojiri failed to act properly on the guidance provided.

Authorities said the art dealer communicated directly with Ahmad, negotiating the transactions and offering congratulations on the purchases.

The UK government previously revealed that Ahmad had built a sizable art collection in Britain and maintained connections with various UK artists, galleries, and auction houses, even after being placed under sanctions.

Ojiri has also featured on Antiques Road Trip and Channel 5’s Storage: Flog the Lot!, and is still listed on Bargain Hunt’s website as one of its experts. However, reports indicate he has not appeared on BBC programming since 2023.

The investigation was led by the Metropolitan Police’s Arts and Antiques Unit in partnership with HM Revenue & Customs and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).

Under UK law, individuals who suspect or know that a transaction may be linked to a proscribed group are legally required to report it. Failure to do so constitutes a criminal offence.

Ojiri, who used the name Ochuko Ojiri in court, was granted bail on the condition that he surrenders his passport and does not apply for travel documents.

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