The Ghana Police Service has uncovered an elaborate transnational car theft syndicate responsible for smuggling stolen vehicles into the country using fake identities and fraudulent shipping tactics.

At a press briefing today, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, revealed that the criminal network primarily targets car rental companies abroad, particularly in Canada, from where the vehicles are fraudulently acquired and shipped into Ghana under false documentation.

According to COP Donkor, a special CID task force established to combat vehicle-related crimes has so far impounded six stolen vehicles, including:

Four Toyota Tundras

One Toyota RAV4

One Range Rover

All six vehicles have been traced to theft incidents in Canada, indicating the global reach of the syndicate's operations.

“This is a highly coordinated scheme involving the use of forged documents, fake shipping identities, and corrupt networks.

These vehicles are often rented and never returned, then shipped to Ghana with altered papers,” COP Donkor explained.

She added that the intelligence-led investigation has already yielded critical leads, and further arrests and seizures are expected in the coming days.

The Police Service is collaborating with international security partners, including Canadian authorities, to dismantle the criminal network and repatriate stolen vehicles.

Authorities are also urging the public, especially those purchasing imported vehicles, to verify vehicle history and documentation with the appropriate agencies to avoid unknowingly purchasing stolen assets.

“This operation is part of our broader effort to curb organised crime and protect the integrity of Ghana’s borders,” COP Donko stated.

Investigations are ongoing.