An art expert on the BBC's Bargain Hunt who failed to report a series of high-value art sales to a suspected Hezbollah funder has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, sold artworks worth around £140,000 (€166,191) to Nazem Ahmad, a man suspected by US authorities of funding the Lebanese organisation.
Ojiri, from Brent, north London, previously pleaded guilty to eight offences under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. He is believed to be the first person charged with this particular offence.
The art dealer, who also appeared on the BBC's Antiques Road Trip, has been investigated for failing to disclose information about transactions in the regulated art market between October 2020 and December 2021 or earlier.
US prosecutors allege Ahmad was a “significant financial contributor to Hezbollah” who used expensive art and diamonds to launder money and finance the group.
He is accused of evading terrorism-related sanctions by using front companies to raise more than $160m (£120m) through art and diamond dealing.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
