Recovery of Stolen Vehicles in Ghana - Update from Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has intensified efforts to combat vehicle-related crimes through collaboration with key national and international partners. These include the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), INTERPOL, Digitpol, and the FBI.
The partnerships have facilitated the sharing of intelligence on vehicles stolen abroad and smuggled into Ghana, as well as on transnational criminal networks involved in car theft, money laundering, insurance fraud, identity theft, and other related offences.
Between January and July 2025, a total of 43 luxury vehicles stolen from countries including the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Canada, the USA, Germany, Italy, and France were recovered in Ghana. The vehicles include high-end brands such as Rolls Royce, Audi Q8, Porsche, BMW i7, and Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Donkor, disclosed that of the 43 recovered vehicles, investigations into 18 have been completed and court orders have been secured for their repatriation to their countries of origin. Eight of those vehicles have already been returned, with the remaining 10 pending repatriation. The remaining 25 cases are still under judicial review.
“For every vehicle impounded, thorough investigations are conducted and importers are given the opportunity to provide proof of ownership or legitimate purchase from the country of origin,” COP Donkor said.
She added, “It is unfortunate that in almost all these cases, those who cleared the vehicles in Ghana were unable to provide any such documentation. Let me emphasise that the payment of customs duties in Ghana does not validate the legal acquisition of a vehicle from its country of origin.”
To strengthen the fight against vehicle-related crimes, the CID has established a special task force to carry out intelligence-led operations and impound suspected stolen vehicles brought into the country.
So far, the task force has seized six vehicles: four Toyota Tundras, one Toyota RAV4, and one Range Rover, all reported stolen from Canada. Investigations are ongoing to determine how these vehicles were stolen and imported into Ghana.
The CID has also uncovered several methods used by criminals to smuggle vehicles:
- Using fake identities to rent vehicles, which are then secretly shipped out of the country during the rental period. The suspects subsequently stop rental payments and cut off contact with the rental company.
- Stealing vehicles directly from the owners’ premises, disabling tracking systems, and shipping them abroad.
- Using fake or stolen credit card information to buy vehicles on hire purchase, then shipping them out before terminating payment agreements.
- Laundering proceeds from crimes such as romance fraud or sextortion through the purchase and importation of luxury vehicles.
COP Donkor warned that innocent Ghanaians often fall victim to unknowingly purchasing stolen vehicles.
She advised prospective vehicle buyers, particularly those interested in imported cars, to demand more than just customs documentation. “Insist on proof of purchase or ownership from the country of origin before making any payment,” she urged.
“I also wish to encourage the public to support the police with credible information. Together, we can ensure Ghana remains safe and secure.”
References:
source: https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/cid-reports-progress-on-interpol/2025/
Digitpol's project: https://digitpol.com/tracking-down-stolen-cars-in-ghana/
Press Release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbGWU1L9vO4&t=24s
