INTERPOL finds 150 stolen vehicles from Canada in Nigeria, Ghana, others in 2 weeks

An INTERPOL-led operation in West Africa has found about 150 stolen vehicles. Most of these vehicles came from Canada. This crackdown targeted cross-border vehicle trafficking and organized crime.

The operation, called Safe Wheels, ran from March 17 to 30, 2025. It involved law enforcement agencies from 12 West African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria. Over 12,600 vehicles were inspected during this period.

The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 75 vehicles. Authorities also launched 18 new investigations into vehicle crime and organized criminal networks. Many stolen vehicles were traced back to Canada, with others from France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Toyota, Peugeot, and Honda were the most commonly recovered brands. David Caunter, INTERPOL’s Director of Organized and Emerging Crime, stated that hundreds of thousands of vehicles are stolen each year worldwide. He emphasized that theft is just the start of a vehicle's journey into global crime.

Stolen vehicles are often trafficked for drugs and other illegal goods. This enriches organized crime groups and even terrorists. INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database helps track stolen cars and identify criminals involved in this trade.

In 2024 alone, the SMV database identified around 270,000 stolen vehicles globally. In Nigeria, six high-end cars were found hidden in freight containers arriving from Canada. Four of these cars showed signs of forced entry.

The Nigerian Customs Service confirmed all six vehicles had been reported stolen in Canada in 2024. Investigations are ongoing with Canada's INTERPOL National Central Bureau.

To support Safe Wheels, INTERPOL sent nine officers and experts from its SMV Task Force. This included a specialist from Canada to assist local law enforcement in several countries like Benin and Togo. The operation was part of Project Drive Out—a partnership between INTERPOL and the Canadian government aimed at reducing vehicle theft.

Funding for this project came from Canada. Participating countries included Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo. Law enforcement teams set up an average of 46 checkpoints daily to inspect vehicles.

Officials say Safe Wheels highlights the growing threat of transnational vehicle crime in West Africa. This issue is often linked to broader smuggling networks and illicit trade activities. The operation marks a significant step toward combating organized vehicle theft and enhancing international policing cooperation.