Five persons have been arrested by the National Security in connection with the manufacturing and distribution of fake DV number plates across the country.

The arrests were carried out in a joint operation between the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and National Security.

The suspects were picked up at Lapaz and Nahrman in Accra, as well as Tarkwa and Kumasi, following intelligence linking them to the illegal production and circulation of the plates.

According to the DVLA, the suspects have since been put before the court and remanded into custody.

They are expected to reappear before the court on March 17, 2026. Authorities say two additional suspects identified in the intelligence chain are currently at large.

The DVLA disclosed that many of the fake DV plates distributed by the cartel were issued together with forged motor insurance documents, giving the plates the appearance of authenticity.

The Authority cautioned the public about the increasing infiltration of fake DV plates in the system, stressing that Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) clearly outlines who qualifies to be issued with DV plates.

It further warned that the forging or use of forged DV plates, as well as driving vehicles displaying duplicate plates, is a criminal offence under the law.