Police recover 43 stolen cars – CID Boss
The Ghana Police Service, through its Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has successfully recovered 43 high-value luxury vehicles that were stolen from overseas and smuggled into Ghana between January and July 2025.
The vehicles, including models from Rolls-Royce, Audi, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, were reported stolen in several European and North American countries before being illegally imported into Ghana.
This was disclosed by COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the CID, at a press briefing held on August 4, 2025.
She credited the recovery to strengthened collaboration between the Police Service and both local and international agencies.
“The administration has intensified efforts to combat vehicle crime by working closely with national agencies like the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and international partners such as INTERPOL and the FBI,” said COP Donkor.
This cooperation has enabled the timely exchange of intelligence on stolen vehicles and exposed transnational criminal groups involved in the global stolen car trade.
CID investigations revealed that these criminal networks are often tied to other serious offences, including money laundering, insurance fraud, identity theft, and visa card fraud, all pointing to Ghana’s growing role as a hub in international illicit supply chains.
The recovered vehicles came from at least eight countries: the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Canada, the USA, Germany, Italy, and France, nations frequently targeted by car theft syndicates due to their high volume of luxury vehicle exports.
Ghana’s role as a destination for stolen vehicles was also highlighted during INTERPOL’s “Operation Safe Wheels” conducted across 12 West African countries in late 2024 and early 2025, which uncovered over 150 stolen cars from Europe and Canada in the region.
Out of the 43 vehicles seized so far, 18 cases have been fully investigated, and court orders have been issued for their return to their countries of origin.
Eight vehicles have already been repatriated, and 10 others are awaiting final processing.
The remaining 25 are still under legal review.
COP Donkor emphasised the thorough vetting process behind each seizure.
“Every impounded vehicle undergoes a comprehensive investigation. Importers are given the opportunity to prove ownership or legitimate purchase from the country of origin,” she noted.
However, a troubling trend has emerged in nearly all cases, importers failed to provide legitimate ownership documents.
“It is unfortunate that most importers are unable to present proof of purchase from the original country before importation,” COP Donkor said, suggesting widespread negligence or complicity.
She also issued a strong warning to vehicle buyers and importers in Ghana: “Paying customs duties in Ghana does not legitimise ownership of a stolen vehicle.”
Buyers are therefore urged to carry out rigorous due diligence, beyond customs documentation, to avoid falling into legal trouble.