The Transcontinental Vehicle Theft Trade: Europe’s Stolen Cars and Bikes in Africa
The illicit trade in stolen vehicles is a global issue that affects regions far and wide, with Europe and Africa being no exception. Criminal networks have found ways to exploit the demand for vehicles in Africa by stealing cars and bikes on the streets of Europe and then selling them across the African continent. This underground trade not only causes financial losses but also poses significant security challenges. In this article, we will delve into the mechanics of this transcontinental vehicle theft trade and explore the measures being taken to combat it.Opportunistic Theft: Many vehicle thefts in Europe are opportunistic crimes. Thieves look for unlocked cars or those with easily defeated security systems. They may break into homes to steal car keys or even use electronic hacking devices to gain access. Professional Theft Rings: More organized criminal groups operate across borders and are involved in the systematic theft of vehicles. These groups employ techniques such as car cloning (making stolen vehicles appear legitimate) and altering vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to cover their tracks. Exportation to Africa: Once stolen, vehicles are transported to Africa using various methods, including container shipping, concealing them within larger cargo shipments, or even dismantling and smuggling them piece by piece.Africa’s growing middle class, increasing urbanization, and infrastructure development have led to a rising demand for cars and bikes. Unfortunately, this demand has also fueled the market for stolen vehicles from Europe. There are several reasons why stolen European vehicles are attractive in Africa: Cost: Stolen vehicles can be sold at a fraction of their market value, making them affordable to a wider range of buyers in Africa.
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