The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has released practical guidelines to help Ghanaians avoid purchasing stolen vehicles, as part of its broader campaign against organised crime and illicit car trading.
Speaking to the media, EOCO’s Head of Legal, Leo Antony Siamah, highlighted six key checks prospective buyers should follow before finalizing any car purchase.
He stressed that failure to perform due diligence not only risks financial loss but could also lead to criminal charges.
1. Watch out for targeted brands
EOCO cautioned that certain high-value vehicle brands are frequently stolen due to their resale appeal and demand. Models such as Honda CR-V, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Range Rover, and BMW X7 and X8 series are prime targets. Buyers should exercise extra care when considering these vehicles.
2. Assess the seller’s credibility
According to Siamah, evasive or uncooperative sellers are a red flag. Any legitimate dealer should willingly provide personal identification, explain the car’s history, and share proper documentation.
3. Scrutinize documentation
Prospective owners were urged to thoroughly inspect all documents, including title certificates and customs declaration forms. Tampered or irregular paperwork is often a sign of stolen property.
4. Check for physical inconsistencies
Physical inspection remains crucial. EOCO noted that missing parts such as rear-view mirrors, which often house GPS trackers, could indicate tampering. Buyers must also ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches across all parts of the car, including the dashboard, engine, and seatbelts. Any discrepancy could point to a stolen vehicle.
5. Beware of suspiciously low prices
“Too-good-to-be-true deals usually are,” Siamah warned. Vehicles sold far below their market value, such as a $400,000 car being offered for $100,000, should raise immediate suspicion.
6. Verify with official authorities
EOCO encouraged buyers to cross-check vehicles with credible agencies such as EOCO itself or INTERPOL before completing a transaction. While online platforms like VinReportsPro, VinCheckUp, and EpicVIN offer preliminary checks, they are not as reliable as official channels.
Siamah stressed that ignorance is no excuse under the law. “Purchasing a stolen vehicle is a criminal offence that could land unsuspecting buyers in prison,” he said.
EOCO’s advisory comes amid a surge in cases involving stolen luxury cars entering the Ghanaian market. The agency hopes that public awareness and vigilance will help curb the trend and protect buyers from falling victim to fraudsters.
