How 95 stolen luxury vehicles from US and Canada End up in Ghana, FBI, EOCO Orders Dealerships To Return

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana has ordered the return of 95 stolen luxury vehicles that ended up in the country from the United States and Canada. The Commissioner of Police, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, announced that members of the general public have until May 31, 2023, to return the stolen luxury vehicles.

Addo-Danquah, who serves as the Executive Director of EOCO, stated that the law enforcement agency obtained a court order to freeze all the stolen cars. EOCO has also published a list of the 95 stolen cars, warning that failure to comply with the deadline will result in the confiscation of the vehicles.

The Ghana Economic and Organized Crime Office initiated this exercise following an investigation by Mariana van Zeller on the National Geographic Channel, which exposed the operations of a cross-border carjacking syndicate.

The list of Luxury vehicles criminal syndicates smuggle to Ghana;

• Mercedes-Maybach S-Class’
• Bentley Continental
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ and E-Class’
• Porsche Panamera
• Cadillac Escalade SUVs
• Maserati Levante
• Toyota Highlanders
• Lincoln Navigator

just to mention a few.

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) revealed that criminals have smuggled over 400 stolen luxury vehicles into Ghana from the United States and Canada. In 2022, as a result of collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 37 luxury vehicles that were carjacked from the USA and Canada were successfully retrieved from Ghana.

In addition to the vehicle retrieval, security operatives arrested 10 suspects who are now facing prosecution for their involvement in the carjacking syndicate. Furthermore, in 2019, security operatives intercepted more than 900 stolen vehicles that were being smuggled into Nigeria and Ghana.

How to know if the car you want to buy was a stolen car

When buying a car, it’s important to be vigilant and take steps to ensure that you are not purchasing a stolen vehicle. Here are some tips to help you determine if the car you are considering is stolen:

1. Conduct a vehicle history check: Use reputable online services or platforms that provide vehicle history reports. These reports can reveal important information about the car’s ownership, title status, accident history, and if it has been reported as stolen.
2. Check the VIN and documents: Verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car and compare it to the VIN listed on the vehicle’s documents, such as the registration, title, and insurance papers. Inconsistencies or altered documents may be a red flag.
3. Be cautious of unusually low prices: If the price of the car seems too good to be true, it’s worth investigating further. Stolen vehicles are sometimes sold at significantly lower prices to attract unsuspecting buyers.
4. Inspect the vehicle for signs of tampering: Look for signs of forced entry, mismatched or damaged locks, ignition tampering, or broken windows. Stolen vehicles may show physical signs of damage or tampering.
5. Request proper documentation: Ask the seller for the original copies of the vehicle’s title, registration, and service records. Ensure that the seller’s information matches the documents, and verify their identity.
6. Use caution with private sales: Be particularly cautious when buying a car through private sales, as it may be more difficult to verify the vehicle’s history and the seller’s credibility. Consider meeting in a public place and bringing along a knowledgeable mechanic or car expert for inspection.
7. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or suspicious during the transaction, listen to your gut instincts. It’s better to walk away than to risk purchasing a stolen vehicle.