EOCO Recovers 100 Stolen Luxury Vehicles, Probes 300 More

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has recovered 100 stolen luxury vehicles illegally shipped into Ghana, with investigations underway into an additional 300 suspected cases. The agency is working in collaboration with Interpol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, EOCO’s Head of Legal and Prosecutions, Leo Antony Siamah, cautioned the public to be extra vigilant when purchasing high-end cars, warning that unsuspecting buyers could become entangled in criminal activities.

He further revealed that some fraudsters impersonate EOCO officials to unlawfully seize vehicles. “The public must verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from EOCO before cooperating with them,” he advised.

How the Cars Are Stolen

According to Mr. Siamah, many of the vehicles are stolen from unsuspecting owners in the United States and Canada, often while they are away from home. These cars are then shipped into Ghana using forged documentation through sophisticated criminal networks.

“By the time the cars are declared stolen abroad, they are already in the hands of innocent purchasers in Ghana,” he explained.

Luxury brands frequently targeted include Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Lexus, Rolls-Royce, BMW X7 and X8 series, Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Ram, and Honda CR-V.

Red Flags for Buyers

Mr. Siamah outlined several warning signs that should alert buyers:

• Prices significantly below market value
• Missing, incomplete, or suspicious documentation
• Altered or defaced Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
• Tampered rearview mirrors, where GPS trackers are often hidden

He urged buyers to cross-check VINs in multiple locations, verify histories on platforms like Carfax and AutoCheck, and consult EOCO or Interpol before finalising purchases.

Mandate, Not Victimisation

Addressing public concerns, Mr. Siamah emphasised that EOCO’s operations are not arbitrary.

“We are only fulfilling our responsibility under the law. This issue tarnishes Ghana’s image as a hub for stolen vehicles. Even genuine buyers are unfairly perceived,” he said.

EOCO has been engaging car dealers and garage owners to raise awareness about the risks of handling stolen vehicles.

Beyond Cars: Following the Money

Beyond recovering stolen cars, EOCO has intensified efforts to trace proceeds of crime under the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804). Its work covers money laundering, cybercrime, tax fraud, financial loss to the state, and lifestyle audits.

While cross-border ownership structures and limited resources remain challenges, Mr. Siamah called for stronger public collaboration to enhance EOCO’s effectiveness.

Regional Context

West Africa continues to serve as a hub for stolen vehicles. In April, an Interpol-led operation across 11 countries, including Ghana, uncovered 150 stolen luxury cars and seized more than 75.