A familiar face from one of Britain’s most-loved daytime shows has been charged as part of a counter-terror investigation.
Art dealer and TV expert Ochuko Ojiri accused of failing to report suspicious activity
Ochuko Ojiri, a well-known antiques expert from BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, will appear in court this Friday accused of terror-related offences.
The 53-year-old, from west London, has been charged with eight counts of failing to disclose information about possible terrorist financing in the course of business. The allegations relate to a period between October 2020 and December 2021, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Officers from the force’s National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit led the inquiry, which also involved the Treasury, HMRC and the Met’s Arts & Antiques Unit.
First person to face charge under this legislation
Ojiri is the first person in the country to be charged under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000 in relation to business disclosures. The Met Police confirmed the CPS authorised the charges following a detailed probe.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later this week.
From TV fame to terrorism charge
Away from television, Ojiri has been a big name in the London art scene. He previously ran the trendy Pelicans and Parrots store in Dalston, which sold vintage furniture and gifts and was once described as “the coolest place in London”. The shop closed in 2021.
He also helped launch Ramp Gallery in London, promoting emerging contemporary artists.
Speaking in past interviews, Ojiri spoke fondly about his love for art and antiques, revealing his best find was a box of Victorian china dolls. He also described his passions outside work as “eating pastries and drinking red wine”.
Court appearance set for Friday
Ojiri is due in court at Westminster Magistrates on Friday, where he will face the allegations for the first time in public.
