The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has revealed that Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge models are the most frequently intercepted brands in its ongoing crackdown on stolen vehicles trafficked into Ghana.
This comes amid international concerns, with Interpol previously describing Ghana as a lucrative hub for cars stolen primarily from North America.
Speaking to Joy News, Leo Anthony Siamah, Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, advised potential buyers to exercise extreme caution when considering these models.
“There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and I think the Dodge Ram. These are four brands that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles that 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,” he stated.
Mr Siamah also highlighted a concerning trend of newer models appearing on the market in suspiciously good condition. He urged buyers to be wary of vehicles that seem “too new and accident-free,” particularly 2023 and 2024 models, which deviate from the traditional market focus on salvaged or accident-damaged cars.
“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 model, 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag for you. That should point you to doing extra, for instance, go to Interpol to find out whether or not that car’s status is stolen,” he advised.
While these four brands are currently the most prevalent in 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.
The office continues to urge the public to conduct thorough due diligence, including verification with Interpol, before purchasing imported vehicles.