CID launches task force to combat influx of stolen cars into Ghana

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has established a special task force to crack down on the importation of stolen vehicles into the country.

At a joint press briefing with the Cyber Security Authority on Monday, CID Director General COP Lydia Yaako Donkor announced that the new task force will conduct intelligence-led operations to track, seize, and investigate vehicles suspected to have been stolen abroad and illegally shipped into Ghana.

So far, six vehicles have been impounded by the task force, including four Toyota Tundras, a Toyota Rav4, and a Range Rover, all traced to theft cases in Canada.

COP Donkor explained that the criminals behind this operation often rent vehicles using fake identities or stolen credit card information. While the lease is still active, the vehicles are discreetly shipped out of their countries of origin. In other cases, cars are stolen directly from owners, tracking systems are disabled, and the vehicles are sent to Ghana for resale.

“Once they confirm that the vehicle has cleared the port, they stop making payments and cut all ties with the rental companies. By the time the original owners notice, the vehicle is already gone,” she said.

She further warned that some of these vehicles are linked to criminal proceeds from activities like romance scams and sextortion, pointing to their use in money laundering schemes.

To protect buyers, COP Donkor urged the public to look beyond customs clearance and insist on proof of legal ownership or purchase from the exporting country. 

Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director General of the Cyber Security Authority, commended international partners such as INTERPOL and Canadian authorities for their cooperation in tracing and returning stolen vehicles and bringing suspects to justice.