The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has named Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge models as the top vehicle brands under suspicion in its latest operation against stolen cars trafficked into Ghana.

Interpol has already described Ghana as a lucrative hub for vehicles stolen mainly from Canada and the United States. EOCO says its investigations confirm that these four brands account for the majority of cases intercepted in recent months.

Speaking on Upfront with Blessed Sogah, the Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, Leo Anthony Siamah, explained that buyers should be extra cautious when dealing in 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 said.

Mr Siamah also urged prospective car buyers to be mindful of vehicles that appear “too new and accident-free” on the Ghanaian market, especially 2023 and 2024 models. He noted that while the market traditionally dealt in salvaged or accident vehicles, the sudden availability of spotless newer models should prompt further checks.

“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.

He noted that while Honda CR-Vs, Range Rovers, and others top the list, EOCO’s operations extend to other brands as well.

“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 clarified.