DVLA seizes over 130 cloned, duty-evading vehicles after deploying scanner tech

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has partnered with Customs to create a temporary arrangement for owners of vehicles potentially affected by its clone-detection initiative. This move aims to help affected vehicle owners regularize their vehicles and settle any outstanding import duties, following the introduction of clone-detection systems by the DVLA.

DVLA CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey announced this measure on Facebook, revealing that the collaboration with Customs will enable the clearance of seized vehicles and the resolution of import duty issues among affected vehicle owners. The DVLA has already seized over 130 suspected cloned or duty-evading vehicles since implementing the new detection systems.

Kotey explained that the DVLA has incorporated OBD II scanners into its vehicle verification and registration processes, which can identify vehicles brought into Ghana through unauthorized channels that illegally duplicate legitimate vehicles' Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). These scanners are intended to address cases where owners of legitimately imported vehicles are incorrectly flagged as having already registered their vehicles due to the fraudulent duplication of their VINs.

Kotey emphasized that the deployment of these scanners represents a proactive security measure aimed at enhancing the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of Ghana's national vehicle register. He added that the partnership with Customs provides affected owners with an opportunity to resolve outstanding import duty obligations and regularize their vehicles in compliance with the law.