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Cities in North America, such as Toronto in Canada, Baltimore and New York in United States said they have intercepted many stolen vehicles bound to be exported to Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries.
Over 900 of the vehicles stolen by auto-theft syndicates, have been intercepted in the last year.
The vehicles, such as Lexus, Honda are stolen from residential driveways in Toronto and driven to the port for shipment.
York and Toronto police in a statement said they made a “large” recovery of 73 stolen cars worth more than $4.5 million in a joint investigation with the Canada Border Services Agency.
Before the recovery, investigators said 32 stolen vehicles have already been shipped overseas to either Ghana or Nigeria.
The investigation began in September, 2020, when authorities became aware of a gang of thieves allegedly targeting Lexus, Toyota and Honda cars and operating out of a location on Kitimat Rd. in Mississauga, according to police.
The Toronto Police Service Auto Theft Suppression Unit and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), were involved in the investigation.
Investigators were able to identify four people involved in the theft and trafficking of vehicles and have made multiple arrests and laid charges.
They are Abu Sadiq Ayi, 41; Michael Atta, 32; Prince Boateng, 42; and David Ansong 40 — all of Toronto.
They face multiple charges including theft of a motor vehicle.
