The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has recovered 100 stolen luxury vehicles smuggled into Ghana through fraudulent means, while investigations are ongoing into about 300 additional suspected cases. The probe is being conducted in partnership with Interpol, the FBI, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Head of Legal and Prosecutions at EOCO, Leo Antony Siamah, cautioned the public to be vigilant when purchasing high-end vehicles to avoid becoming entangled in criminal activities. He also warned that some fraudsters are impersonating EOCO officials to unlawfully seize vehicles, urging the public to always verify the identity of such individuals before cooperating.
How the Vehicles Are Stolen
According to Mr. Siamah, many of the vehicles are stolen in the United States and Canada while owners are away, then shipped into Ghana with forged documents through a criminal network.
“By the time the cars are declared stolen abroad, they are already in the hands of innocent purchasers in Ghana,” he said.
Though EOCO is working with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), port authorities, and other agencies to tighten verification systems, he stressed that buyers must also take responsibility.
“The law places a duty on individuals seeking to buy anything to conduct due diligence. Failure to do so means there is no remedy in the event of a legal action,” he cautioned.
Frequently targeted brands include Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Lexus, Rolls-Royce, BMW X7/X8, Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Ram, and Honda CR-V.
Red Flags for Car Buyers
Mr. Siamah advised buyers to look out for:
- Vehicles priced far below market value
- Missing, incomplete, or suspicious documents
- Altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
- Tampered rearview mirrors, where GPS trackers are often hidden
He recommended checking VINs in multiple locations, verifying vehicle histories through Carfax or AutoCheck, and consulting EOCO or Interpol before purchase.
No Victimisation, Only Mandate
Mr. Siamah emphasized that EOCO’s work is strictly within its legal mandate and not arbitrary.
“This issue creates a very bad image for Ghana as a hub for stolen vehicles. Beyond the reputational damage, even genuine buyers are unfairly perceived,” he said.
EOCO has been engaging car dealers and garage owners to educate them on the dangers of trading in stolen vehicles.
Tackling Proceeds of Crime
Beyond vehicle recoveries, EOCO is also intensifying its fight against money laundering, cybercrime, tax fraud, financial loss to the state, and other serious offences under Act 804. This includes lifestyle audits to detect unexplained wealth, though challenges such as cross-border ownership structures remain.
Regional Context
West Africa remains a hotspot for stolen vehicles. In April, an Interpol-led operation across 11 countries, including Ghana, uncovered 150 stolen luxury vehicles and seized more than 75.
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