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United Kingdom

Ojiri prosecution: UK art market AML/CTF and sanctions obligations; compliance and enforcement under 5MLD, MLR 2017, Terrorism Act 2000 and POCA

Published on: 04 July 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Private Client expert
Legal News
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Scrutiny of the art market

The recent conviction of art dealer Oghenochuko Ojiri for offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TA 2000) underscores the substantial risks facing art market professionals. Agents, galleries, dealers, and others trading in art operate within a regulatory regime that brings serious penalties for non-compliance, alongside the reputational harm that commonly follows any breach. Ojiri, the founder of Ramp Gallery, now operating as Ojiri Gallery, admitted eight counts under the TA 2000 for failing to make required disclosures while conducting business in a regulated sector. The prosecution concerned his sale of artwork worth about £140,000 to a suspected Hezbollah financier, sanctioned by the United States in 2019 and the United Kingdom in 2023. After entering guilty pleas, he received a sentence of two and a half years’ imprisonment. Although the first case of its kind, it serves as a clear warning to individuals and businesses across the art market that their conduct will be closely examined for compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism obligations...

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