The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and international partners, has intensified efforts to curb the illegal importation of stolen vehicles into Ghana.
A newly established CID taskforce, launched to carry out intelligence-driven operations, has successfully impounded six stolen vehicles, including four Toyota Tundras, a Toyota Rav4, and a Range Rover, all traced back to Canada.
Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director General of CID, explained that sophisticated criminal networks exploit loopholes in car rental and hire-purchase systems abroad. “Criminals use fake identities and stolen credit card details to rent or buy vehicles, then ship them out of the country before rental companies or sellers become aware of the fraud,” she revealed during a joint press briefing on Monday.
The criminals often disable vehicle tracking systems and stop payments once the vehicles have cleared customs and arrived in Ghana. This leaves unsuspecting local buyers vulnerable to unknowingly purchasing stolen cars.
Beyond theft, some luxury vehicles imported into Ghana are suspected to be part of money laundering schemes tied to criminal activities such as romance fraud and sextortion, COP Donkor noted.
She urged prospective buyers to exercise due diligence by demanding proof of legitimate ownership and purchase documents from importers, beyond just customs clearance papers. “Contacting the Police for assistance can help prevent falling victim to such scams,” she advised.
Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director General of the Cyber Security Authority, commended international partners for their critical role in intelligence sharing and repatriation efforts, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in tackling transnational crime.
The taskforce continues its operations to dismantle these criminal networks and protect consumers from fraud in the vehicle importation sector.
