Oghenochuko Ojiri, a 53-year-old art dealer, was sentenced for selling high-value artworks to Nazem Ahmad, a suspected financier for Hezbollah, indicating serious breaches of the Terrorism Act. The sales, totaling around 140,000, were potentially linked to funding terrorism. Despite being aware of Ahmad's sanction status and previous warnings from colleagues, Ojiri continued his dealings. His actions, underpinned by recent money laundering regulations, highlight a critical intersection of art, finance, and illegal activity, making this case significant as its first of its kind under specific Terrorism Act laws.
Ojiri was warned by others about his conduct but proceeded to engage in dealings with Ahmad in any event, demonstrating a willful disregard for regulations.
The total value of the artwork sold was approximately 140,000, indicating that Ojiri was actively involved in significant financial transactions tied to the alleged financier.
US prosecutors identified Mr Ahmad as a significant financial donor to Hezbollah, using art and diamonds to facilitate money laundering and evade sanctions.
The court ruled that Ojiri knowingly engaged in discussions and sales with a sanctioned individual, undermining the integrity of regulations designed to prevent terrorism financing.
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