An art expert from the BBC's Bargain Hunt who failed to report a series of expensive art sales to a man suspected of funding the militant group Hezbollah 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 US authorities suspect of financially supporting the Lebanese organisation.
Ojiri, from Brent, north London, previously pleaded guilty to eight charges under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. He is believed to be the first person to be charged with this particular offence.
The art dealer, who also appeared on the BBC's Antiques Road Trip, has been charged with failing to disclose information about transactions in the regulated sector of the art market between October 2020 and December 2021 or earlier.
US prosecutors allege Mr Ahmad was a “significant financial contributor to Hezbollah” who used expensive art and jewelry to launder money and fund the organization.
He is accused of evading terrorism sanctions by using front companies to acquire more than $160m (£120m) in art and jewellery dealing services.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
