Ghana has once again been thrust into the international spotlight, only this time for all the wrong reasons. This comes as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have arrested a Ghanaian national called, Nana Kwabena Amuah on fraud related charges, seizing assets worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, including a 2019 Lamborghini Urus.
The FBI aided by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana, confiscated a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from popular Ghanaian dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah, better known by his stage name Shatta Wale earlier this month on suspicion that the luxury SUV might have been part of proceeds of organized crime tied to the case of suspect Kwabena Amuah.
On Wednesday, the 20th of August, Shatta Wale reported to the office of EOCO to aid investigation and to answer questions regarding 641-horsepower Italian super SUV, during the interview the dancehall artist reportedly told investigators he bought the Urus on the “STREET”. For those familiar with street lingo, this can be seen as a damning admission for the artist that he had suspicion the vehicle might have been stolen but went ahead to make the purchase. As of writing, EOCO has not officially charged Shatta Wale of any crime, we wait to see what more comes off the investigation.
The Urban Jungle and Driveways, A Profitable Hunting Ground For Car Thieves
Gone are the days when car thieves relied on armed hijackings to snatch vehicles. Today, aided by technology and weak anti-theft designs of modern cars, they stalk their targets patiently sometimes trailing them all day before striking.
In Canada, shopping mall parking lots provide thieves with the perfect opportunity to steal vehicles in a flash. With plenty of cover and distracted owners, cars are quickly reprogrammed through their on-board diagnostic (OBD) ports, with brand-new keys generated on the spot.
Cars with keyless entry are also susceptible to relay attacks by organized theft rings. Relay attack works by using two radio devices to extend the signal between a car and its key fob, thereby tricking the vehicle to think the key is within reach, giving the thieves authorization to start car.
Relay and OBD diagnostics devices are all easily accessible on website like amazon and AliExpress for relatively cheap. Some vehicle manufacturers also make diagnostic software available for download online, thereby making the job of the thieves easier.
How To Spot A Stolen Car
Buying a car is no small decision, for many, it’s one of the most significant purchases and financial commitment they will ever make. But in the rush of excitement, it’s easy to overlook subtle warning signs that something isn’t right. These signs could be the single factor that differentiates a safe purchase from a horrific financial mistake.
Firstly, conduct vehicle identification number research (VIN). Every motor vehicle has a VIN number etched on specific spots of the chassis. The VIN is engraved on a small metal plate located at the base of the dashboard visible underneath the windshield. Paid platforms such as Carfax and AutoCheck can provide potential buyers with comprehensive vehicle history that might reveal any legal discrepancies associated with the motor vehicle.
Other services, such as CarVertical and autoDNA, also offer detailed vehicle data using just the VIN. However, it’s important to consider the country of import, as some of these platforms may have geographic limitations.
For those looking to save a buck while conducting VIN research, platforms such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB.org) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov) can provide comparable vehicle data at no cost. These platforms are recommended especially for cars imported from North America.
It’s best to keep in mind that, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is trouble. Research a car’s value locally and request to view import paperwork before committing to any form of payment.
The rise in stolen cars being sold in Ghana tarnishes the country’s image on the international stage. Amid uncertain tariffs from the Trump administration, organized criminal activity involving Ghanaians risks exposing the nation to further economic sanctions that could severely impact our already struggling economy.
