The Ghana Police Service has discovered a complex international auto theft network that uses fraudulent shipping methods and false identities to smuggle stolen cars into the nation.
The criminal network mainly targets foreign car rental companies, especially in Canada, from which the vehicles are fraudulently obtained and shipped into Ghana under false documentation, according to COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), who made this revelation during a press briefing today.
Six stolen cars have been seized thus far by a special CID task group created to combat vehicle-related crimes, according to COP Donkor.
These include:
Four Toyota Tundras
One Toyota RAV4
One Range Rover
The six cars have all been linked to theft cases in Canada, demonstrating the syndicate’s international reach.
“This is a highly coordinated scheme involving the use of forged documents, fake shipping identities, and corrupt networks.
“This operation is part of our broader effort to curb organised crime and protect the integrity of Ghana’s borders,” COP Donko stated.
These cars are frequently rented, never returned, and then sent to Ghana with falsified documentation, according to COP Donkor.
The intelligence-led investigation has already produced important leads, she continued, and further arrests and seizures are anticipated in the days ahead.
To break up the criminal network and return stolen cars, the Police Service is working with international security partners, including Canadian authorities.
In order to prevent unintentionally buying stolen property, authorities are also advising the public, especially those buying imported cars, to confirm the vehicle’s history and documentation with the relevant authorities.
Source: newsthemegh.com