In recent years, the used car market in Ghana has experienced significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for luxury vehicles. However, with this growth comes a dark side: the influx of stolen luxury vehicles from the US and Canada.

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) reveals that criminals smuggle over 400 stolen luxury vehicles into Ghana from the USA and Canada.

In 2022, as part of a collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), they managed to retrieve 37 luxury vehicles from Ghana that carjackers had stolen from the USA and Canada.

In addition to the luxury vehicle retrieval, security operatives arrested some 10 suspects who are now facing prosecution.

Here’s an in-depth look at how stolen vehicles make their way into Ghana and how you can protect yourself from purchasing a stolen car.

How Stolen Vehicles End Up on the Shores of Ghana

The issue of stolen cars being shipped overseas from the US and Canada is a complex one that involves various factors. While there are measures in place to prevent the export of stolen vehicles, such as checks at ports and documentation requirements, there are still ways in which criminals can circumvent these measures. Here are some reasons why stolen cars can be shipped overseas relatively easily:

  1. Sophisticated Criminal Networks: Organized crime groups involved in car theft often have sophisticated networks that can help them falsify documents, change vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and navigate the export process without raising suspicion.
  2. False Documentation: Criminals may use fraudulent or altered paperwork to make it appear as though the vehicle is being exported legitimately. This can make it difficult for authorities to identify stolen vehicles.
  3. Lack of International Coordination: Coordinating efforts to track stolen vehicles across international borders can be challenging due to differences in laws, regulations, and law enforcement capabilities between countries.
  4. Volume of Shipments: Ports handle a large volume of shipments every day, making it difficult to thoroughly inspect every vehicle that passes through. Criminals may exploit this volume to slip stolen vehicles through undetected.
  5. Resource Constraints: Ports and customs agencies may face resource constraints that limit their ability to thoroughly inspect every vehicle. This can create opportunities for criminals to exploit weaknesses in the system.

How to Know If You’re Buying a Stolen Vehicle

To avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle, follow these crucial steps:

  1. Check the VIN: Always verify the vehicle identification number (VIN). Ensure it matches the numbers on the vehicle’s documentation and check for signs of tampering.
  2. Buy a Vehicle History Report: Obtain a detailed vehicle history report from a reputable source like InsideVIN. This report will provide information about the car’s past, including any reports of theft.
  3. Be Wary of Cheap Deals: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stolen vehicles are often sold at prices significantly lower than market value to entice quick sales.

Example Case: 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

For instance, an InsideVIN report on a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV that was impounded by EOCO with VIN: 1GYS4KKLXMR363711 revealed that the car had a theft record.

If the buyer had purchased a full vehicle report from InsideVIN before completing the purchase, they would have discovered this crucial information, saving themselves thousands of dollars and the potential legal troubles associated with buying a stolen car.

Conclusion

The prevalence of stolen vehicles in Ghana underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence when purchasing a car. By using InsideVIN’s detailed Vehicle History Reports, buyers can protect themselves from fraud, avoid the pitfalls of purchasing stolen vehicles, and ensure they are making a safe and informed investment. Always remember to check the VIN, invest in a comprehensive vehicle history report, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Your safety and peace of mind are worth the extra steps.