How EOCO Combats Vehicle Smuggling: Top Vehicle Models Under Investigation in Ghana
- EOCO identified Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150s, Range Rovers, and Dodge as models commonly smuggled into Ghana, necessitating closer scrutiny by the govt
- Leo Anthony Siamah urged buyers to investigate vehicles, especially new or spotless models, for potential theft
- EOCO emphasised using Interpol's database for vehicle verification, stressing due diligence to avoid purchasing stolen cars
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The recent detainment of Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale brought about awareness of the consequences of purchasing stolen vehicles.
Source: Getty Images
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), based on trends observed over a period of time, has ramped up its efforts to prevent stolen cars from entering the Ghanaian market. As it turns out, specific vehicle models have become hot cake in Ghana, creating a huge demand for these automobiles, which in most cases tend to be stolen in developed countries.
To that end, the EOCO has launched various operations and devised strategies, working tirelessly to protect the integrity of Ghana's vehicle market.
In doing so, the EOCO recently identified certain vehicle models as being particularly common in cases involving stolen cars being moved into the country.
These models include the Honda CR-V, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and various Dodge vehicles.
EOCO has intensified its efforts to crack down on the illegal importation and purchase of these cars.
The agency stated that recent operations have confirmed that these four car models account for the majority of intercepted cases.
According to Interpol, Ghana has become an increasing target for the smuggling of stolen vehicles, especially those originating from Canada and the United States.
How does EOCO track stolen cars in Ghana?
EOCO uses a range of methods to crack down on stolen vehicles being illegally moved into Ghana.
Here's an overview of their approach:
- Ramped-up Operations: EOCO initiates focused investigations and raids on illegal trade vehicle networks and impounds stolen vehicles at the available points of entry or at borders.
- Working with International Agencies: EOCO works with international organisations such as Interpol to monitor the stolen vehicles, especially cars originating from Canada or the US. Typically, EOCO refers to Interpol's database to compare vehicle history and legitimise vehicles imported.
- Public Enlightenment and Alerts: EOCO educates the population on the high-threatened vehicle models and gives advice to prospective buyers on how one can identify a rogue car. They stress the necessity to check the vehicle's history before buying.
- Identification of Red Flags: EOCO also trains law enforcement personnel to identify red flags commonly used in stolen vehicle transactions.
- Legal Action: They identify the stolen vehicles and recover them, and even take people to court in cases of smuggling or illegal sales of the same cars.
EOCO's Leo Anthony comments on vehicle crackdown
Commenting on criminal cases, Leo Anthony Siamah, the Head of EOCO's Legal Unit, urged those who plan to purchase cars to be cautious, especially with the aforementioned car models.
Source: UGC
According to him, car buyers should take extra care to ensure that the vehicles they are considering are not involved in any illicit activities.
In his words:
“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 models that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles 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."
Watch the video below:
Shatta Wale's first post after EOCO release
YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that Ghanaian dancehall musician Shatta Wale made his first Facebook post on his wall moments after being released from EOCO.
In his short but sweet message, he expressed his profound gratitude to his fans, the media, EOCO, and all Ghanaians.
His message touched the hearts of many of his fans, who took to the comment section to express their excitement about his return.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
