- 43 high-end stolen vehicles recovered in Ghana between January and July 2025
- CID worked with INTERPOL, FBI, and GRA Customs to track and seize the vehicles
- Most importers failed to prove ownership, indicating possible complicity or negligence
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has recovered 43 luxury vehicles—including Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz models—that were stolen from various countries in Europe and North America and smuggled into Ghana between January and July 2025.
This was disclosed by COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director General of the CID, during a press briefing on August 4, 2025.
She credited the success to strengthened collaboration with both local and international agencies, such as Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), INTERPOL, and the FBI.
“We have intensified efforts to combat vehicle-related crimes through intelligence sharing and joint operations with national and international partners,” said COP Donkor.
Origin and Nature of the Crime
The stolen vehicles came from at least seven countries: the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Canada, USA, Germany, Italy, and France—nations frequently targeted due to their thriving luxury car markets and global logistics access.
Investigations have also revealed that these thefts are part of broader transnational criminal operations, often linked to crimes such as money laundering, identity theft, insurance fraud, and visa card fraud.
Previous Operations & Legal Progress
Ghana has recently emerged as a key destination and transit hub for stolen vehicles, as highlighted in INTERPOL’s “Operation Safe Wheels”—a 2024–2025 sweep across 12 West African countries that detected over 150 stolen vehicles, many traced back to Canada and Europe.
Of the 43 cars seized by the CID, 18 cases have been completed, with courts ordering their repatriation. So far, 8 vehicles have been returned to their countries of origin, 10 more are awaiting repatriation, and 25 cases remain under judicial review.
Ownership & Import Violations
COP Donkor emphasized that each impounded vehicle undergoes detailed scrutiny, and importers are asked to provide proof of legitimate purchase. However, she noted a concerning trend:
“In nearly all cases, importers failed to show valid ownership or purchase documentation from the countries of origin.”
She warned that clearing a vehicle through customs does not legitimize ownership, especially if it was stolen abroad:
“Paying customs duties in Ghana does not equate to legal acquisition,” she cautioned.
Ongoing Challenges
The illicit trade in stolen vehicles continues to pose serious challenges. Criminals often use advanced tactics, such as tampering with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and forging ownership records to avoid detection.
The Ghana Police Service, alongside its local and international partners, remains committed to dismantling these networks and protecting Ghana from becoming a hub for transnational car theft rings.
