Popular car brands such as Toyota, Peugeot, and Honda have emerged as top targets in a sophisticated vehicle trafficking network recently uncovered by INTERPOL across 12 West African countries.
The revelation came as part of a broader operation that led to the discovery of around 150 stolen vehicles and the seizure of more than 75 during a two-week crackdown dubbed Operation Safe Wheels.
The operation, coordinated by INTERPOL and involving national security agencies in Ghana, Nigeria, and other West African states, found that criminals are increasingly targeting trusted and in-demand vehicle brands for transnational trafficking.
The stolen cars, many of which originated from Canada, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, are believed to be trafficked into West Africa due to high resale value, availability of spare parts, and brand popularity.
According to INTERPOL, the majority of the flagged vehicles during roadside and port inspections were Toyota, Peugeot, and Honda models—brands commonly favored across the region for both personal and commercial use. Experts say these preferences make them prime targets for international car theft syndicates.
In Ghana, where authorities set up dozens of daily checkpoints between March 17 and 30, hundreds of vehicles were inspected using INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database.
This tool allowed officers to instantly verify the legal status of each vehicle against a global registry.
Security analysts believe the consistent demand for reliable mid-range vehicles in West Africa is fueling a black market pipeline that stretches from North America and Europe to West African ports and roads.
“Criminal groups know that cars like Toyotas and Hondas are easy to sell in the region. They blend into local markets, parts are readily available, and buyers rarely suspect their origins,” said one senior security officer involved in the operation.
INTERPOL’s Director of Organized and Emerging Crime, David Caunter, warned that stolen vehicles are often used as currency in other criminal activities including drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
The operation forms part of Project Drive Out, a Canada-backed initiative aimed at tackling international vehicle smuggling.
With Canadian funding and technical support, the project seeks to dismantle organized networks profiting from stolen car rings.
As investigations continue across multiple jurisdictions, authorities are calling for heightened public awareness and stronger regulations on vehicle importation, particularly concerning second-hand vehicles with incomplete documentation.
