A U.S. federal investigation has uncovered an alleged auto-theft network with links extending to Ghana.
According to a statement by the FBI, a “15-count indictment” has been unsealed in a Washington, D.C. court, charging six individuals accused of stealing vehicles across the U.S. and selling some to buyers both domestically and in Ghana. Authorities say at least 20 cars were confirmed stolen and trafficked, with investigations pointing to a much wider operation.
Law enforcement officials believe the group may be connected to the theft of more than 100 vehicles in Washington, D.C., and over 30 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The suspects allegedly targeted newer models, including Honda Civics, CRVs, and Acura vehicles, before transporting them across state lines. A search warrant was also executed at a storage facility in Georgia believed to be linked to the network.
Investigators say the operation relied on electronic devices that allowed suspects to “reprogram cars to accept previously blank key fobs,” making it easier to steal vehicles without traditional keys. The stolen cars were reportedly taken to storage locations, including a parking garage in Southeast Washington, where their identities were altered by swapping licence plates and obscuring identification numbers. Authorities also claim the group disabled GPS and Bluetooth systems to avoid detection.
Those charged include individuals from California, Virginia, and Maryland, while one suspect remains at large. All six face charges of conspiracy to possess, transport, and sell stolen vehicles. Prosecutors stress that an indictment is not proof of guilt, noting that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.
Credit to Ameyaw Debrah
