DVLA smashes GH¢12.5M counterfeit number plate syndicate; five remanded

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has dismantled a sophisticated criminal network responsible for flooding the market with over 30,000 counterfeit dealer (DV) number plates, a racket estimated to have cost the state approximately GH¢20 million annually in lost revenue.

The illegal operation, uncovered following a two-week intelligence-led investigation in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and National Security, has led to the arrest of five suspects who have been remanded into police custody.

Presenting the findings at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, DVLA Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, revealed that the counterfeit plates, valued at over GH¢12.51 million, were part of a larger criminal enterprise that posed a significant threat to both national security and public safety.

“This is not merely a regulatory breach; it is a criminal enterprise that threatens national security, undermines law enforcement, and deprives the state of legitimate revenue,” Mr Kotey stated.

He explained that the operation was highly structured, involving the nighttime transportation of fake plates manufactured at a secret location to a distribution hub in La Paz, Accra. From there, the counterfeit items were funnelled through satellite networks operating in Kumasi and Takoradi.

The DVLA CEO warned that the fake plates were often accompanied by forged documentation, including fake motor insurance certificates and counterfeit Form D and Form E logbooks. He cautioned the public that vehicles bearing these plates could leave innocent citizens financially exposed in the event of an accident.

“In the event of an accident, victims may find that the supposed insurance cover is fraudulent, leaving them without protection or compensation,” he warned.

Mr Kotey revealed that the five individuals currently in custody are believed to be low-level operatives, popularly known as goro boys, who work for a larger, more powerful syndicate. He confirmed that two other suspects have been identified and are actively being pursued by national security operatives.

“It seems like all the people we arrested are goro boys, and they have a master somewhere they report to. The master is the one we are going to hunt for now,” Mr Kotey said, vowing to intensify enforcement operations to rid DVLA premises of illegal middlemen.

The suspects appeared in court on Tuesday and have been remanded, with their next hearing scheduled for March 17, 2026.

In a stern warning to others engaged in the illicit trade, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services, Foster Akwasi Asante, urged them to desist immediately.

“I would admonish anyone who is now nurturing that idea of engaging in the sale of illegal plates to take a pause, breathe deeply, and be reassured that the security operatives are after those. The sun will definitely shine on them,” he said.

To combat the proliferation of fake documentation, Mr Kotey announced that the Authority is set to introduce high-tech number plates embedded with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This move will allow law enforcement agencies to instantly verify vehicle registration details electronically.

Additionally, the DVLA is expanding its footprint to enhance accessibility, with plans to open five new offices within the next two weeks, bringing the total number of new offices opened in the past year to 18.