The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has cautioned the public against the purchase of certain vehicle models that have emerged as the most commonly intercepted stolen cars trafficked into Ghana.
According to EOCO, Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge models top the list of brands most frequently seized in its ongoing anti-stolen vehicle operations.
Ghana a Hotspot for Stolen Cars
The warning comes amid growing international concern, with Interpol previously identifying Ghana as a lucrative hub for vehicles stolen largely from North America.
Speaking to Joy News, Leo Anthony Siamah, Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, described the situation as alarming and urged prospective car buyers to be vigilant.
“There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and the Dodge Ram. These are four brands that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles we recover. Most of them happen to be these vehicles. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag for you,” Mr. Siamah stated.
Newer Models Raise Suspicion
EOCO has also observed a new trend where 2023 and 2024 models are being sold in unusually pristine condition, diverging from the traditional importation of salvaged or accident-damaged vehicles.
Mr. Siamah cautioned buyers to be wary of “too new and accident-free” vehicles, stressing that such conditions should trigger extra verification steps with Interpol.
“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 or 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag for you. That should point you to doing extra checks — for instance, go to Interpol to find out whether that car’s status is stolen,” he advised.
Not Limited to Four Brands
While these four vehicle brands dominate EOCO’s recoveries, Mr. Siamah clarified that investigations are not limited to them.
“Would you go after a Toyota Corolla, for instance? Yes. We’ve gone after a couple of Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not like we have a preference,” he explained.
Public Advisory
EOCO has urged Ghanaians to exercise due diligence before purchasing imported cars by conducting thorough verification checks — including confirming a vehicle’s status with Interpol — to avoid falling victim to criminal syndicates.
Source: Trendz Gh
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