The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has recovered 43 high-end luxury vehicles that were stolen abroad and illicitly imported into Ghana between January and July 2025.
The vehicles comprising Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz models were stolen from multiple countries across Europe and North America, including the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, and the United States.
At a press conference in Accra today, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director General of the CID, revealed that the operation’s success was due to enhanced intelligence sharing and collaboration with both national and international partners, including GRA Customs Division, INTERPOL, and the FBI.
“The administration has stepped up efforts to fight vehicle crime by working in close collaboration with other national agencies and international partners,” COP Donkor stated.
She emphasized that this multi-agency approach has enabled authorities to track and intercept vehicles linked to transnational criminal syndicates involved in a broader range of crimes such as money laundering, insurance fraud, identity theft, and Visa card fraud.
These criminal networks often exploit Ghana as a destination or transit point for stolen vehicles, taking advantage of porous import systems and weak verification mechanisms.
Ongoing Investigations and Repatriations
Out of the 43 vehicles recovered:
- 18 cases have been concluded
- 8 vehicles have already been repatriated
- 10 are awaiting clearance for return
- 25 cases remain under active investigation in court
COP Donkor explained that each impoundment undergoes a rigorous verification process, with importers given the opportunity to provide proof of ownership or legal purchase from the country of origin.
“It is important to note that for every vehicle impounded, thorough investigations are carried out,” she said.
“Sadly, in nearly all cases, importers fail to produce legitimate documentation to prove rightful ownership.”
She further clarified a critical misconception among buyers:
“Payment of customs duties in Ghana does not validate the legitimacy of ownership. A stolen vehicle remains stolen regardless of whether duties have been paid.”
This warning is particularly aimed at local buyers and dealers who may unknowingly or deliberately participate in the black-market trade of high-value vehicles.
Global Concern, Local Implications
The issue of stolen vehicle imports has drawn global attention, especially after “Operation Safe Wheels”, a coordinated effort by INTERPOL across 12 West African nations in late 2024 and early 2025. That initiative alone identified over 150 stolen vehicles in Ghana, many originating from Canada and Europe.
Authorities have also uncovered sophisticated tactics used by criminal groups to conceal the origins of stolen cars, including altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and falsified import documents.
The CID says it will continue working closely with global partners to disrupt cross-border vehicle trafficking networks and ensure the swift repatriation of stolen assets to rightful owners.
