Customs returns stolen cars worth N1.8bn to Canada

The Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday handed over 21 exotic cars worth over N1.8 billion to the Canadian government.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, handed over the vehicles at the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) in Lagos.

He also disclosed that the International Police (INTERPOL) had also identified countries in West Africa as hubs for exotic vehicles stolen from Canada, the United States, and Europe.

The vehicles handed over at the event include Rolls Royce, Labomgini Horicane, Mercedes-AMG, and Range Rover.

Adeniyi revealed that members of the syndicate stole vehicles from foreign countries and subsequently shipped them into Nigeria, using falsified documents.

He added that Customs officers recovered exotic cars from the criminal gang with the aid of the recently established Operations Hot Wheel.

READ ALSO: Court orders final forfeiture of 20 cars stolen from Canada

The CGC said: “Operation Hot Wheel consists of officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC,) and the Canadian government.”

Adeniyi also revealed that the 21 vehicles were recovered with the aid of the Canadian government as well as the EFCC.

“According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network.

“This extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia. This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria,” he added.

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