BBC Bargain Hunt star, 53, charged with terrorism offence following Met Police investigation
Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow star Ochuko Ojiri has been charged with terrorism offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation.
The 53-year-old art dealer, whose real name is Oghenochuko Ojiri, was held over a probe into terrorist financing.
Ojiri has been a regular on the BBC shows for several years.
He faces serious charges related to his business activities in the regulated sector.
The television personality, who resides in west London, was charged after an extensive investigation by counter-terrorism officers.
Ojiri is charged with eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector.
The offences allegedly took place between October 2020 and December 2021.
These charges are specifically related to terrorist financing, according to the Metropolitan Police.
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The investigation was conducted by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU).
This specialist unit forms part of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The charges fall under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000, legislation designed to combat the financing of terrorist activities.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Ojiri is the first person to be charged with this specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service following their investigation.
The probe specifically targeted terrorist financing activities.
Multiple agencies collaborated on the investigation into the TV personality’s business dealings.
The case represents a significant precedent in the application of counter-terrorism legislation.
Authorities have been investigating the matter since the alleged offences occurred more than three years ago.
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the complex investigation that resulted in these unprecedented charges.
The Treasury, HMRC and the Met’s Arts & Antiques Unit were all involved in the investigation, highlighting the multi-agency approach to the case.
The collaboration between financial and specialist art crime units suggests the complex nature of the investigation.
Ojiri, from west London, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, May 9.
The court will hear the case against the television personality, who has become familiar to viewers through his appearances on popular BBC antiques programmes.