In a significant breakthrough in the fight against vehicle trafficking, the Ghana Police Service has successfully recovered 10 stolen vehicles that had been smuggled into the country from the Netherlands.

This operation, conducted in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy and international security firm Digitpol, marks a vital step in international collaboration to combat transnational crime.

At a press conference held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, provided details about the operation, which took place between September 15 and 17, 2025.

“Recently, the Police collaborated with the Netherlands Embassy and Digitpol, a security company that works closely with the Netherlands Police, to track and recover stolen vehicles trafficked into Ghana,” she stated.

The operation was a result of meticulous tracking efforts that identified the stolen vehicles, which included eight Toyota RAV4s and two Toyota CH-Rs, all reported stolen from various locations in the Netherlands.

According to COP Donkor, the vehicles were recovered in several areas of Accra, including Kantamanto, Nima, and Cantonments.

“These vehicles, which had been reported stolen from the Netherlands, were tracked to Ghana,” she disclosed, elaborating on the collaboration that made the recovery possible.

The successful recovery underscores the critical role of international cooperation in addressing cross-border crimes, particularly in the realm of vehicle trafficking.

COP Donkor emphasised, “These operations highlight the importance of international cooperation in fighting vehicle-related crimes.”

The collaborative effort not only showcases the capabilities of Ghanaian law enforcement but also strengthens ties with international partners in the ongoing battle against organised crime.

In light of this operation, the Ghana Police Service has issued a strong advisory to the public regarding the purchase of vehicles, particularly second-hand imports.

COP Donkor cautioned, “Prospective buyers are strongly advised to demand proof of ownership from the country of origin. Vehicle details can also be verified with INTERPOL Accra before finalising any purchase.”

This proactive approach aims to prevent unsuspecting buyers from falling victim to similar trafficking schemes in the future.

Data from the Ghana Police Service indicates that vehicle theft and trafficking have become increasingly prevalent, with a reported increase in cases over the past two years.

In 2024 alone, over 200 vehicles were reported stolen and subsequently trafficked out of the Netherlands, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies globally.

The Ghana Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting citizens from such crimes. COP Donkor assured the public that efforts to enhance international partnerships and intelligence sharing will continue to be a priority.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that the public is safeguarded from the dangers posed by vehicle trafficking and other transnational crimes,” she affirmed.