The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has urged Ghanaians to exercise extreme caution when purchasing vehicles shipped into the country, warning that many may be stolen abroad.
This caution comes as EOCO continues investigations into the case involving dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, who is alleged to have purchased a Lamborghini Urus linked to the proceeds of a US$4 million fraud committed by Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian currently serving a prison sentence in the United States.
Key Red Flags When Buying Vehicles
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, EOCO legal officer Paa Bruce Sam outlined several warning signs buyers should look out for:
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Suspiciously low prices: If the price offered is significantly below market value, it may be a stolen vehicle.
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Incomplete documentation: Missing, delayed, or inconsistent paperwork should raise immediate concerns.
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Signs of violent crime: Imported cars may sometimes arrive with gunshot marks, shattered mirrors, or other unusual damage, which could suggest a link to a crime scene.
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Indirect sellers: Buyers should avoid situations where sellers cannot be met directly and keep referring them to third parties.
“If the price being offered is far below the usual range, it’s a strong indication that the vehicle may have been stolen,” Mr. Sam warned.
EOCO’s Advice to the Public
EOCO is advising the public to stop any transaction immediately once they identify these red flags and instead submit the available documents to its offices for background verification.
Mr. Sam explained that this measure will protect potential buyers from both financial loss and legal consequences, since Ghanaian laws impose strict penalties for the possession of stolen property.
Source: My News Ghana
