Logo

UK Art Dealer Sentenced Over Rs 1.6 Crore Art Sales to Hezbollah Financier

A London art dealer has been jailed for two years and six months for selling artworks valued at approximately Rs 1.6 crore to Nazem Ahmad, a suspected Hezbollah financier. Ojiri concealed the true buyer's identity despite being aware of sanctions. This case underlines growing vigilance against exploiting the art market for terrorism financing.

UK Art Dealer Sentenced Over Rs 1.6 Crore Art Sales to Hezbollah Financier

UK Art Dealer Sentenced for Selling Art to Hezbollah Fundraiser

A London-based art dealer has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for selling high-value artworks worth approximately £163,140,000 (Rs 1.6 crore) to a suspected Hezbollah financier.

Details of the Case

Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, pleaded guilty to eight offenses related to failing to disclose information under the UK's Terrorism Act. The charges stemmed from his sales of art pieces to Nazem Ahmad, a Lebanon-based collector sanctioned by the United States in 2019 and suspected of financing Hezbollah, a group designated as terrorist in the UK.

Between October 2020 and December 2021, Ojiri sold eight artworks to Ahmad while concealing the true purchaser's identity by altering invoice details and saving Ahmad’s contact under a different name on his phone. These actions were conducted despite Ojiri's awareness of the financial sanctions against Ahmad.

Legal and Security Implications

The sentencing judge emphasized Ojiri's knowledge of Ahmad’s suspected involvement in terrorist financing and noted how the art market can be exploited by such individuals.

Following Ojiri’s arrest in April 2023, the Metropolitan Police, in collaboration with US Homeland Security, seized several artworks linked to Ahmad, including pieces by Picasso and Andy Warhol, from warehouses in the UK.

Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, stated, "This case should serve as a warning to art dealers that the authorities will prosecute those who knowingly deal with individuals funding terrorist activities."

Background of the Art Dealer

Ojiri, known for his appearances on BBC television programs appraising antiques and running a London gallery, is believed to be the first individual convicted under this particular charge related to terrorism financing via art sales.

His defense described the defendant as "naive," mentioning that Ojiri was arrested while filming a BBC program.

Summary of Key Points

  • Ojiri sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for failing to report art sales to a sanctioned Hezbollah financier.
  • Artworks sold totaled nearly £163,140,000 (Rs 1.6 crore).
  • The transactions involved concealment tactics to hide the purchaser's identity.
  • Law enforcement agencies recovered high-profile artworks from UK warehouses.
  • The case highlights increased scrutiny on the art market's potential exploitation for terrorist financing.
Former Police Chief Grant Hardin Escapes Arkansas Prison in Disguise
Former Police Chief Grant Hardin Escapes Arkansas Prison in Disguise

Grant Hardin, convicted for murder and rape, escaped from a medium-security prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, by disguising himself in a fabricated law enforcement uniform. His knowledge of the difficult Ozark terrain complicates ongoing search efforts. Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt involving aerial and ground units. The escape has alarmed local communities and victims' families, reigniting their trauma while spotlighting prison security concerns.

Pakistan Investigates Disappearance of Police Weapons Worth Rs 246 Million
Pakistan Investigates Disappearance of Police Weapons Worth Rs 246 Million

An audit by Pakistan's Punjab Home Department uncovered the loss of police weapons valued at over Rs 245.5 million from various police stores across 12 districts. Key offices including Muzaffargarh, Lahore, and Multan reported missing arms and ammunition. An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate and report within 10 days. The Home Department stressed accountability by law enforcement agencies holding the arms.

Inside the Grueling Hunt for Escaped Killer Grant Hardin in Ozarks
Inside the Grueling Hunt for Escaped Killer Grant Hardin in Ozarks

Grant Hardin, an escaped convict and former police officer, remains at large in the challenging terrain of the Ozark Mountains. Using a fake law enforcement uniform, Hardin fled prison and is leveraging his deep knowledge of nearly 2,000 caves in the region to evade capture. Multi-agency teams are facing difficulties due to the rugged environment and Hardin's familiarity with the area. Authorities urge residents to stay alert as the manhunt continues.

US Border Officials Arrest Indian Immigrant on Child Predator Charges
US Border Officials Arrest Indian Immigrant on Child Predator Charges

Gurdev Singh, a 42-year-old Indian national living illegally in the US, was arrested by US Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Champlain in New York. Singh had an active felony warrant from Indiana related to child solicitation charges. He was found carrying bladed weapons and is currently held awaiting extradition. Officials highlight the commitment to holding illegal residents accountable, especially those accused of crimes against children.

Fugitive Ex-Police Chief Grant Hardin Recaptured in Arkansas After Daring Prison Escape
Fugitive Ex-Police Chief Grant Hardin Recaptured in Arkansas After Daring Prison Escape

Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and former police chief dubbed the 'Devil in the Ozarks,' was captured just 1.5 miles from the prison he escaped in Arkansas. Wearing a makeshift law enforcement uniform, he fled due to a security lapse but was tracked through rugged terrain despite heavy rains. Now transferred to the Varner SuperMax prison, Hardin serves multiple long sentences for murder and rape. His capture brought relief to victims and highlighted prison security concerns.

Indian-Origin Man Critically Injured During Police Arrest in Australia
Indian-Origin Man Critically Injured During Police Arrest in Australia

Gaurav Kundi, a 42-year-old Indian-origin man, sustained critical brain and neck injuries following a police arrest in Adelaide. His wife disputes claims of violence, stating he was intoxicated but not aggressive. Police maintain the officers acted according to training, viewing resistance to arrest as justification. The incident raises broader concerns about police response to suspected domestic disputes.

18 Arrested in Ontario Towing Scam Involving $4.2M Fraud and Extortion
18 Arrested in Ontario Towing Scam Involving $4.2M Fraud and Extortion

In a major crackdown in Ontario, Peel Regional Police arrested 18 individuals connected to a $4.2 million towing industry scam. The suspects, mostly of Indian descent, face nearly 100 charges related to extortion, fraud, and firearms violations. The network reportedly staged fake collisions and used violence to control towing operations, prompting calls for bail reform amid repeat offenses.

Milwaukee Officer Kendall Corder Dies After Line-of-Duty Shooting
Milwaukee Officer Kendall Corder Dies After Line-of-Duty Shooting

Officer Kendall Corder, a six-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, passed away three days after being shot in the line of duty during a response to a domestic violence call. The shooting, described by the police union as an ambush, left Corder with severe injuries. His partner, Christopher McCray, survived with non-life-threatening wounds. The suspect was arrested soon after. The city mourns Corder's sacrifice and honors his dedication to public safety.

US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran and Associated Entities in UAE and Hong Kong
US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran and Associated Entities in UAE and Hong Kong

The United States announced fresh sanctions targeting 10 individuals and 27 entities connected to Iran. These measures also extend to select entities in the UAE and Hong Kong. This action takes place as the US administration continues negotiations aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement with Tehran, signaling persistent pressure through economic sanctions.

ADB Approves $800M Bailout for Pakistan Amid India's Strong Objections
ADB Approves $800M Bailout for Pakistan Amid India's Strong Objections

The Asian Development Bank has authorized an $800 million bailout for Pakistan despite India's strong objections citing concerns over terrorism financing and governance issues. This aid follows a recent $1 billion IMF package. India fears misuse of funds for defense spending and highlights Pakistan's failure to comply with international financial and security commitments, raising regional stability concerns.

Iran Condemns US Travel Ban as Racist and Discriminatory
Iran Condemns US Travel Ban as Racist and Discriminatory

Iran has strongly denounced the US travel ban targeting citizens from Iran and 11 other countries, labeling it a reflection of supremacist and racist policies. The ban, effective June 9, follows national security concerns after a violent attack in Colorado. Iranian officials emphasize that the restrictions breach international law and violate fundamental human rights, promising to protect affected citizens.

Bangladesh’s Major Parties Reject Chief Adviser Yunus’s April 2026 Election Plan
Bangladesh’s Major Parties Reject Chief Adviser Yunus’s April 2026 Election Plan

Bangladesh’s two principal parties, the Awami League and BNP, have condemned interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s decision to hold national elections in April 2026. Both parties call for elections by the end of 2025, citing concerns over timing, political overreach, and democratic legitimacy. This dispute highlights ongoing political tensions following recent upheaval.