Ghana Police Recover 43 Stolen Cars Shipped Illegally

The rise in transnational vehicle theft extends beyond Ghana. Just last month, the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 65 stolen or improperly imported vehicles during standard inspections. Many of these were flagged due to missing documents or active theft reports. Authorities across West Africa are now urging importers and vehicle owners to verify a vehicle’s history before shipping or purchase to avoid costly seizures

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has successfully retrieved 43 stolen luxury vehicles that were illegally shipped into Ghana between January and July 2025. These vehicles, including Rolls-Royce, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz, were originally stolen in multiple countries and smuggled into Ghana for resale.

CID Director-General COP Lydia Yaako Donkor announced the recovery at a press briefing on August 4, crediting the breakthrough to coordinated intelligence efforts with Ghana’s Customs Division, INTERPOL, and the FBI. The seized vehicles were traced to Canada, the U.S., Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.

One notable example is a 2017 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT, which was reported stolen in the United States and fraudulently exported to Ghana. Despite clearing customs, the vehicle was later flagged during a VIN verification sweep and seized by authorities. This case highlights how easily stolen cars can enter local markets when due diligence is ignored.

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Why VIN Checks Matter More Than Ever

COP Donkor emphasized that importers and buyers must be vigilant. “Paying customs duties does not legitimize stolen property,” she stated. Most of the seized cars had falsified documentation or altered VINs, and nearly all importers failed to verify ownership from the countries of origin.

The CID now strongly recommends using platforms such as:

• VerifyItHQ.com

• AutoBayNG.com

These platforms allow users to verify a vehicle’s theft status, ownership history, accident records, and title issues using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the importer of the stolen Lexus RX 350 had used one of these tools, the car’s stolen status would have been detected early.

A Growing Regional Concern

This surge in transnational vehicle theft is not limited to Ghana. Just last month, Nigeria Customs Service recovered 65 stolen or improperly imported vehicles during routine inspections. Many of these were seized due to incomplete documentation or active theft alerts. Vehicle owners and importers are now being warned across West Africa to verify vehicle history before shipment.

Current Status of the Seized Vehicles

Out of the 43 stolen cars recovered:

• 18 have completed investigations.

• 8 have been returned to their countries of origin.

• 10 are in the process of repatriation.

• 25 remain under investigation.

Police say more vehicles may be impounded as the operation continues.

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Conclusion

Vehicle theft syndicates are evolving—and so must buyers. The CID’s message is clear: use trusted VIN verification platforms before importing or buying a used car. It's the easiest way to avoid losing your money or facing criminal liability.