By Ruth Serwaa Asare
Ghana’s fight against stolen vehicles has taken a new direction as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), has outlined six practical ways to help the public avoid becoming victims of car theft syndicates.
Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, EOCO’s Head of Legal and Prosecutions, Mr. Leo Antony Siamah, explained that stolen cars remain a growing problem in Ghana because international crime rings, use sophisticated methods to bring them into the country.
“The issue of stolen vehicles is complex, and it often catches innocent people off guard. Many buyers spend their hard-earned money only to find themselves entangled in criminal cases because they didn’t verify the basics,” Mr. Siamah said.
According to him, vehicles are often stolen from unsuspecting owners in the United States and Canada before being shipped into Ghana with forged documents.
1. Watch for Evasive or Uncooperative Sellers
Evasive or uncooperative sellers who avoid answering questions about a car’s history should immediately raise suspicion.
2. Check Documents Carefully
Irregular or tampered documents, particularly titles and customs declarations, are clear warning signs.
3. Verify Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
Inconsistencies in VINs across different parts of the car should never be ignored, as this is one of the common tricks thieves use to disguise stolen vehicles.
4. Conduct Thorough Physical Inspections
Missing or tampered rear-view mirrors are particularly suspicious since criminals often hide GPS trackers there.
5. Beware of Unrealistic Pricing
“A car that is valued between $400,000 and $500,000 cannot suddenly be sold for $100,000. It is simply too good to be true, and that should tell any buyer that something is wrong,” Mr. Siamah warned.
6. Cross-Check with Authorities Before Payment
Buyers are encouraged to verify with EOCO, Interpol, or other recognised platforms, even if it comes at a cost. Free online checks may not always provide accurate or comprehensive information.
“Due diligence is not a choice; it is a legal responsibility. If you fail to verify, you could lose your money and even face prosecution because the law treats buying stolen property as a crime, whether or not you knew about it,” Mr. Siamah stressed. He also cautioned the public to beware of imposters posing as EOCO officials and seizing cars unlawfully, urging Ghanaians to always demand proper identification.
The agency believes that with stronger checks at the ports, continuous collaboration with international partners, and greater public vigilance, Ghana can shed the image of being a hotspot for stolen vehicles.
“We are determined to protect Ghana’s reputation and safeguard innocent buyers. But this fight requires everyone’s cooperation. Together, we can make it far more difficult for criminals to use our country as a safe haven for stolen cars,” Mr. Siamah concluded.
