Over 130 cloned cars seized by DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has seized more than 130 vehicles suspected of being cloned, following the introduction of new technology to detect fraudulent registrations.

The vehicles were allegedly imported into Ghana through unauthorised channels, with some found to have copied Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) belonging to genuine vehicles.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, the authority is now deploying clone‑detection machines, known as OBD II scanners, to identify such vehicles during registration.

Fisherman jailed three months for causing harm at Teshie

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, DVLA Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey explained that the cloning of VINs had created serious problems for genuine vehicle owners.

In some cases, owners of legitimate vehicles were wrongly informed that their cars had already been registered.

“We have introduced clone‑detection machines into our verification and registration process to help identify vehicles whose details have been illegally copied,” he said.

Kotey noted that the new scanners allow DVLA to detect suspected cloned vehicles during verification rather than after registration, reducing fraud risks.

Since deployment, the authority has intercepted and seized more than 130 vehicles suspected of cloning or entering Ghana without the required import duties.

He added that DVLA is working with the Customs Division to address the situation, including a temporary arrangement for affected vehicle owners to regularise their vehicles and pay outstanding duties.

“The technology allows us to reinforce the credibility of the register and prevent fraudulent vehicles from entering the system,” Kotey said.

ANAS/SA

Ghana will not borrow simply because financing is available – Dr Ato Forson