## The Rise of Canadian Stolen Cars in Ghana: A Growing Concern

As car theft rates continue to rise sharply in Canada, the question of where these stolen vehicles end up becomes increasingly important. The answer may lie in Ghana, where it has become common to see Canadian cars on the roads. Authorities are pointing fingers at Montreal’s organized crime rings for the surge in auto thefts, primarily in Quebec and Ontario. In 2021 alone, 27,000 vehicles were stolen in Ontario, with a staggering 48.3 percent increase the following year.

Terri O’Brien, CEO of Équité Association, an organization that investigates fraud on behalf of insurers, describes vehicle theft as a national crisis in Canada. The increasing computerization of new cars and criminals’ sophisticated methods of exploiting cybersecurity weaknesses have made it possible to steal a car within minutes. In as little as two days, the stolen vehicle can be loaded onto a shipping container and leave the port of Montreal.

However, not all car thefts are sophisticated operations. Police attribute the prevalence of car thefts to a rise in home invasions and violent crimes, as criminals break into homes to steal keys and vehicles. These stolen vehicles are then shipped abroad, particularly to Africa and the Middle East. Ghana has become a popular destination for stolen vehicles from North America, with the majority arriving from Canada. Ghanaian authorities are not pleased with this situation.

Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, the deputy director of Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, reveals that no Canadian agency has directly approached them or filed a formal complaint. While Ghana does its best to seize stolen vehicles, most of the people driving them purchased the vehicles at fair market prices and were unaware that they were stolen. Confronting these individuals can be dangerous, especially when they are not innocent. Dapilah explains that his investigators frequently face threats from armed groups due to what he sees as a Canadian problem.

Canadian insurers are also demanding more action to address these crimes, as rates for customers continue to rise. The Équité Association is calling for updates to federal vehicle theft prevention regulations, while the Canadian Financing and Leasing Association is advocating for an increase in the number of scanners used at ports to ensure containers are correctly labeled.

However, completely stopping car thefts may prove challenging. Police emphasize that stealing cars is easy and lucrative, making it highly attractive to organized crime syndicates. Detective-Sergeant Haywood notes that selling 15 cars on the black market is much easier than selling 15 kilos of cocaine or 15 illegal guns, which explains why criminals are drawn to this profitable enterprise.

The issue of Canadian stolen cars in Ghana has become a growing concern for both countries. While Ghanaian authorities are doing their part to seize stolen vehicles, they believe that the responsibility lies with Canada to address the root of the problem. Canadian insurers and industry associations are also urging for stronger measures to prevent car thefts and protect customers.

In conclusion, the rise of Canadian stolen cars in Ghana is a troubling trend that demands attention. The involvement of organized crime rings, the ease of stealing cars, and the profitability of the black market all contribute to this growing problem. It is crucial for both Canadian and Ghanaian authorities to work together to combat this issue and protect innocent individuals who unknowingly purchase stolen vehicles. Only through collaborative efforts and comprehensive strategies can we hope to curb the rising tide of car thefts and ensure the safety of our communities.