VADUG Distances Itself from Stolen Vehicle Allegations

The Vehicle and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG) has issued a public statement to distance itself from the alleged importation and sale of stolen vehicles in the country. This action follows mounting concerns and recent high-profile cases, including the ongoing investigation into a Lamborghini Urus linked to a $4 million fraud case in the United States, which involved Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale.

According to a statement from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Shatta Wale was questioned after he failed to provide proper ownership documentation for the luxury car, which is suspected to have been purchased with the proceeds of crime. The EOCO, in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies like Interpol, has identified several vehicle brands, including Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150s, Range Rovers, and Dodge vehicles, as the most frequently intercepted stolen cars trafficked into Ghana.

In response to this growing trend, VADUG’s President General, Bernard Ntrekwah, expressed the union’s deep concern over the potential damage to Ghana’s international reputation and the local second-hand automobile industry. The union has pledged to promote best practices among its members and to fully cooperate with anti-corruption and investigative agencies. They also called on government agencies at ports and borders to enhance their efforts in detecting and preventing such illegal imports. The statement concluded with a call for national collaboration to educate the public on best practices within the automotive sector.

VADUG’s action comes as international partners, including Interpol and Canadian authorities, increase their efforts to combat the global organized crime of vehicle theft, with Ghana identified as a key destination. This underscores the need for a collaborative approach involving both government agencies and industry stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s automotive trade.

Source: African Publicity