The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has discovered that Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickup trucks, Range Rovers, and Dodge models are the most often intercepted brands in its continuing crackdown on stolen automobile trafficking into Ghana.
This comes despite international worries, with Interpol previously identifying Ghana as a lucrative hub for stolen vehicles, especially from North America.
Speaking to Joy News, Leo Anthony Siamah, Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, encouraged potential buyers to proceed with utmost caution when contemplating these models.
“There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and I think the Dodge Ram. These are four brands that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles that we recover. Most of them happen to be these vehicles. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag for you,” he said.
Mr. Siamah also mentioned a disturbing tendency in which newer models arrive on the market in suspiciously good condition.
He advised purchasers to be skeptical of automobiles that appear “too new and accident-free,” particularly the 2023 and 2024 models, which deviate from the conventional market focus on salvaged or accident-damaged vehicles.
“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 model or 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag for you. That should point you to doing extra; for instance, go to Interpol to find out whether or not that car’s status is stolen,” he reiterated.
While these four brands are currently the most common in EOCO’s recoveries, Mr. Siamah stated that the investigations are not restricted to them.
“Would you go after a Toyota Corolla, for instance? Yes. We’ve gone after a couple of Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not like we have a preference,” he remarked.
The bureau continues to advise the public to do complete due diligence, including Interpol verification, before acquiring imported automobiles.
Source: newsthemegh.com