5 arrested as National Security dismantles fake DV plates syndicate

Five persons believed to be involved in the manufacturing and distribution of fake DV plates across Ghana have been arrested by the National Security.

The operation, conducted through a collaboration between the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Security, led to the arrest of suspects in Lapaz, Narhman, Tarkwa, and Kumasi, who have since been arraigned before court.

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They are currently on remand and are scheduled to reappear before court on March 17, 2026.

Two additional suspects identified in the intelligence chain remain at large.

“… The five suspects who were picked up at Lapaz, Narhman, Tarkwa and Kumasi, have been arraigned before court and are currently on remand and are due to reappear before Court on March 17, 2026. Two additional suspects identified in the intelligence chain remain at large,” a statement from the authority dated March 10, 2026, read.

According to the DVLA, many of the fake plates distributed by the cartel were issued together with counterfeit motor insurance documents, creating an impression of authenticity.

“Many of the fake DV plates released and distributed by the cartel are issued together with fake motor insurance documents, creating the impression of authenticity of the plates,” it added.

The Authority has cautioned the public about the infiltration of fake DV plates in the system calling on them to be vigilant.

“The Authority further wishes to state that those required to be issued with DV plates as outlined under Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L. I. 2180) have adequately been supplied with DV plates on application to the Authority,” the statement said.

DVLA also stressed on how Subregulation 11 of Regulation 23 of L.I. 2180 criminalizes the forging and use of fake DV plates, as well as driving a motor vehicle displaying a forged or duplicate plate.

It warned that persons found culpable will be dealt with.

“The general public is also cautioned that Subregulation 11 of Regulation 23 of L. I. 2180 prohibits and criminalizes the forging and use of forged DV plate as well as driving a motor vehicle which displays a forged or duplicate copy of a plate,” it indicated.

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“The Authority informs the public that the qualification for the use of DV plate is spelt out clearly under Regulations 23 of L.I. 2180, and individuals who contravene the provisions are in clear breach of the law,” the statement said.

MAG/VPO

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