Interpol: 3 Nigerians busted for cyber crime operate in 150 countries

 

The Interpol has revealed that the three Nigerians busted last week for cyber crime belong to an organised global crime group, operating in 150 countries.

One of the suspects is Onwuka Emmanuel Chidiebere a.k.a Ceeceeboss TMT. The 32 year-old lives in Lekki, Lagos State. He is a native of Aro-Ikpa in Abia State.

The second suspect is Ikechukwu Ohanedozie a.k.a Dozzy. He is 34 years old.

Onuegwu Ifeanyi a.k.a SSGToolz is the third suspect nabbed in a joint operation by the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja.

Onuegwu is 35years old and lives at Prof’s Avenue, Umudagu, Mbieri, Mba-itolu LGA, Imo State.

According to Interpol, the Nigerians are believed to be members of a wider organized crime group, known as TMT, responsible for distributing malware, carrying out phishing campaigns and extensive Business Email Compromise scams.

Here is how Interpol describes their mode of operation:

“The suspects are alleged to have developed phishing links, domains, and mass mailing campaigns in which they impersonated representatives of organizations.

“They then used these campaigns to disseminate 26 malware programmes, spyware and remote access tools, including AgentTesla, Loki, Azorult, Spartan and the nanocore and Remcos Remote Access Trojans.

“These programmes were used to infiltrate and monitor the systems of victim organizations and individuals, before launching scams and syphoning funds.

According to the cyber security Group-IB, based in Singapore, the prolific gang is believed to have compromised government and private sector companies in more than 150 countries since 2017.

“Group-IB was also able to establish that the gang is divided into subgroups with a number of individuals still at large. While investigations are still ongoing, some 50,000 targeted victims have been identified so far.

“The year-long investigation, dubbed ‘Operation Falcon, saw INTERPOL’s Cybercrime and Financial Crime units work closely with Group-IB to identify and locate threats, and ultimately, assist the Nigerian Police Force, via the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, in taking swift action.

“Group-IB’s participation in the operation came under Project Gateway, a framework which enables INTERPOL to cooperate with private partners and receive threat data directly.

Craig Jones, INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Director highlighted the outstanding cooperation between all those involved in the investigation and underlined the importance of public-private relationships in disrupting virtual crimes.

“This group was running a well-established criminal business model. From infiltration to cashing in, they used a multitude of tools and techniques to generate maximum profits. We look forward to seeing additional results from this operation,” he said.

When the suspects were picked last week, the Nigeria Police shared part of their findings on the gang’s modus operandi.

“Onuegwu Ifeanyi a.k.a SSGToolz specializes in creating, designing, selling of phishing links and hosting malwares on website used by the gang for phishing and hacking purposes.

“He collects charges running into several millions of naira from other fraudsters he mentors and improves their phishing capabilities.

“Onwuka Emmanuel Chidiebere a.k.a Ceeceeboss TMT, a graduate of Business Administration from Imo State University specialises in business email compromise and hacking.

“A comprehensive forensic analysis reveals that he had in his laptop-computer over 50,000 email accounts and websites including passwords of various individuals and corporate entities across the world.

“He recruited the third suspect Ikechukwu Ohanedozie a.k.a Dozzy, a medical student of Imo State University, into the gang. Ikechukwu Ohanedozie sorts and profiles e-mail accounts to determine financial strengths of prospective victims and passes on information obtained therefrom to Onwuka Emmanuel Chidiebere “.

The men are scheduled to be arraigned in Nigeria.

- PM NEWS

Gunmen kill prominent Ondo monarch, Oba Israel Adeusi

 

A first-class monarch has been killed by gunmen suspected to the kidnappers in Ondo State.

The traditional ruler, Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, was on Thursday evening shot along Benin-Owo-Akure highway at Elegbeka of Ose Local Government.

The monarch was said to be returning to Ifon from Akure, the state capital, where he had gone to attend a meeting before running into the gunmen who had laid ambush on the highway.

It was also gathered that the bandits opened fire on the vehicle conveying the monarch, on sighting the vehicle.

The monarch was said to have been rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Owo where he gave up the ghost.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro, said he was yet to be briefed from Divisional Police Officer of the town.

- DAILY POST

Nigeria ranked third most terrorised country in the world — for the sixth time

 

A report by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) says the number of deaths attributed to Boko Haram in Nigeria increased by 25 percent from 2018 to 2019.

The recent report said despite the rise in the number of casualties from Boko Haram attacks in the north-east, Nigeria is the second to record a fall in violent deaths after Afghanistan in 2019.

GTI said 2,043 people died from “terrorism-related acts” in Nigeria in 2018 but only 1,245 deaths were recorded in 2019. In the overall, deaths from terrorism world over fell by 15.5 percent from 2018 to 2019.

However, the study ranked Nigeria the third most terrorised country in the world for the sixth consecutive time.

“Nigeria had the second largest fall in total deaths, owing largely to a 72 percent reduction in fatalities attributed to Fulani

extremists,” it said.

“Despite this decrease, the number of deaths attributed to Boko Haram increased by 25 percent from 2018 to 2019.

“Renewed activity by Boko Haram in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger, remains a substantial threat to the region.”

The report also said Boko Haram carried out 11 suicide bombings killing 68 people.

“In 2019, Boko Haram carried out 11 suicide bombings causing 68 fatalities. Suicide bombings accounted for 6% of all terror-related incidents by Boko Haram in 2019, marking an 89% decline from their peak in 2017,” it said.

“Boko Haram was responsible for Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist attack in 2019 when assailants attacked a funeral in Badu, Borno
State.

“At least 70 people were killed and 10 others were wounded in the attack and ensuing clash. The two main factions of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) and the followers of Abubakar Shekau, are both engaged in an insurgency campaign against the Nigerian government.

“Violence by the two main factions of Boko Haram have taken a large toll on the civilian population, particularly in northeast
Nigeria, where continued attacks have internally displaced more than two million people and caused a further 240,000 Nigerian refugees to flee to neighbouring countries.”

- THECABLE

Ogun man, Yesiru Salisu, caught with 4 human skulls, other body parts

 

A 55 year old man, Yesiru Salisu, has been arrested by officers of Ogun State Police Command for being in possession of four human skulls, two dry human hands and three jaws.

The suspect was arrested following a report at Ago Iwoye police division that a man was seen with a bag suspected to contain stolen properties, and when he was challenged, he dropped the bag and ran into the bush.

Upon the report, the DPO Ago Iwoye, CSP Paul Omiwole led his detectives to the scene where they opened the bag and discovered that it contains dry body parts of human beings.

The Police subsequently combed the bush Yesiru ran into and he was apprehended.

According to the police, the suspect confessed that he harvested the human parts from a cemetery in Oke Eri area of Ijebu ode together with one Lekan Bakare who is now at large.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to state criminal investigation and intelligence department for further investigation and prosecution.

He also directed that the fleeing accomplice should be hunted for and brought to justice.

- PM NEWS

LaLiga: Barcelona could rename stadium after Lionel Messi

 

Barcelona presidential aspirant, Emili Rousaud, has said he would hold a referendum to name the Nou Camp after Lionel Messi, if he is elected in January.

Rousaud is one of the candidates hoping to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu as president at the beginning of 2021.

As well as changing the name of the stadium, he has also vowed to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain and another unnamed superstar player next summer.

New manager, Ronald Koeman, has so far failed to lift the mood around the LaLiga club, with Messi yet to sign a new contract and set to become a free agent next summer.

But Rousaud, perhaps in a desperate bid to keep the talismanic Argentine, has made the stadium name change one of his major policies when he assumes office.

“We will hold a referendum to change the name of the stadium to Camp Nou – Leo Messi,” he said on Thursday, via Marca.

- DAILY POST

Nigeria has 200 million poor people – Buhari admits

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday admitted that Nigeria has 200 million poor people and asked the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to consider this when sharing production cuts.

The President stated that asides the 200 million poor people, the nation has severe deficit in infrastructure, saying that the weight of responsibility was too much.

Buhari also welcomed the decision of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) to site the headquarters of the African Energy Investment Corporation in Abuja, pledging the full support of the country in ensuring the successful take off of the organisation.

At a meeting with Dr. Omar Farouk from Nigeria, who is the Secretary General of the organisation at the State House on Thursday, Buhari also gave assurance that Nigeria would pay for its share subscription.

The President, who received praises for the vision of setting up the APPO and the ratification of its charter by Nigeria back in 1985 as Military Head of State, said the peculiarities of the challenges facing African oil producers required them to come together under the association to share experiences and solve their problems collectively.

The President said the growing clamour for a reduction in the use of fossil fuels notwithstanding, countries like Nigeria needed to produce more oil to feed the petro-chemical industry and create jobs.

In his remarks, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva informed the President that the proposed APPO Energy Investment Corporation to be sited in Abuja would start with USD 1 billion from the AFRO-EXIM Bank and is expected to bring employment and other benefits to Nigeria.

The Secretary General of APPO who was accompanied by Dr Adedapo Odulaji, the OPEC Governor in Nigeria, conveyed the appreciation of both the Congolese President and the Prime Minister for the President’s support in the relocation of the headquarters of the association to its chosen location, Brazzaville, the Congolese capital.

He expressed hope that members of the 16-member organisation will surmount the challenges posed by COVID-19 as well as that from receding fossil fuel use as a result of the climate change treaties signed by member states and other nations.

- PM NEWS

EFCC witness: Maina, ex-head of service stole N14bn through 66 bank accounts

 

A prosecution witness has alleged that Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Force Team, allegedly looted N14 billion worth of pension funds in connivance with a former head of service.

Rouqquaya Ibrahim told a federal high court in Abuja that Maina and Stephen Oronsaye, who was head of service between 2009 and 2010, allegedly stole the funds through more than 60 bank accounts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Maina on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N2bn.

Okon Abang, a judge, had ordered the commencement of trial following his prolonged absence from court since he was released on bail.

At the trial on Wednesday, Ibrahim, the ninth prosecution witness who is also an EFCC investigator, told the court that the investigation team found that “Abdulrasheed Maina was deeply involved in stealing pension funds”.

The witness said investigations revealed how Maina paid pension funds into the private accounts set up by Oronsaye.

She said the office of the accountant-general of the federation had confirmed that there was no approval for the opening of the accounts which were in the ex-HOS’s office’s name.

“Part of what our investigation revealed was that the head of service, Mr Stephen Oronsaye, at that time was operating 66 illegal accounts,” she said.

“They were stealing money from the pension accounts of the head of service of the federation. In total, we were able to establish that N14 billion was stolen from the pension accounts.

“Pension funds would be paid into those accounts after which they would withdraw cash and hand over to the persons who asked them to give the account numbers.”

- THECABLE

Buhari approves salary increment for police

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved salary increment for men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The salary increment, DAILY POST learnt, cuts across all ranks of the force.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, disclosed this on Thursday during his visit to the Ogun State Police Command.

Adamu’s visit to Ogun State was part of his efforts to boost the morale of police officers after the attack on them during the recent End SARS protest.

While addressing officers of the command, Adamu urged them not to be demoralised by the attacks suffered during the protest.

He charged them not to be afraid of carrying out their duties as a result of the criticisms against them, saying no society survives without the police.

Adamu revealed that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has taken various steps to reform the Nigerian police.

According to him, “The government has approved an extension of health scheme to retired police personnel. The police salary structure has been reviewed upward, affecting all ranks.”

He added further that plans have been concluded for the renovation of police barracks across the nation.

In his words, the State Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, said the IGP’s visit would re-awaken the dampened morale of the police officers in the state.

Ajogun explained that, about seven divisional headquarters were vandalized in the state, while the DCO of Atan-Ota division, DSP Ogbeche, lost his life.

He added that the police in Ogun have since returned to their duty posts, saying it is their duty to protect lives and property.

- DAILY POST

Police: How domestic worker clubbed Deputy Chief Auditor to death in Nasarawa

 

The Police Command in Nasarawa State says it has arrested a 27- year-old domestic worker, for allegedly  killing his former employer, Martins Omeri.

The deceased  was a Deputy Chief Auditor in the office of the Accountant General of Federation, Abuja.

The Command in a statement by its spokesman, ASP Ramhan Nansel, on Thursday in Lafia, said the victim who lived at Navy Estate Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of the state was killed on the night of Nov. 17, while asleep.

Nansel said that Police personnel attached to Karshi Division later  arrested the suspect from a hideout in Abuja, based on credible intelligence.

“On Nov. 24, at about 11: 45 a.m., Police personnel attached to Karshi Division acted on credible intelligence and arrested the suspect at Arab area, FCT Abuja.

According to the PPRO, the suspect had confessed to the crime and narrated how he sneaked into the deceased’s apartment on Nov. 17,  and killed him using a log of wood while he slept.

Nansel said  the body of the victim was later discovered on Nov. 19.

He said that a diligent search was conducted in the suspect’s apartment where items belonging to the deceased were recovered as exhibit.

“They include one Infinix phone, Laptop, Clothing, pair of shoe, Clipper, Bedding and few other properties,” Nansel said.

He said that the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa, Bola Longe, had directed that the case should be transferred to State Criminal and Investigation Department, Lafia for further investigation and subsequent prosecution.

Nansel quoted the CP as urging members of the public to ensure thorough screening, to know the background of  whoever they intend to engage as domestic worker.

- PM NEWS

Wike to Buhari: Listen to the people or set Nigeria on fire

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has advised President Buhari to listen to the demands of the people or set Nigeria on fire.

His advice came just 48 hours after Wike hosted in Port Harcourt a meeting of South South governors and a Presidential team, headed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of staff to President Buhari.

At the meeting the governors made a demand for the restructuring of Nigeria and also the relocation of oil companies from Lagos to Niger Delta.

The usually voluble and blunt governor spoke again today on a Channels TV programme, Sunrise Daily.

“We must understand in this country that political leadership is very key,” Wike said.

“Having the political will to implement what the people want is very serious.

“I don’t want to talk about the issue of distrust or no trust in government.

“People have raised such issues, that they don’t think that nothing will come out of all this dialogue.

“I don’t agree with that. I believe that if the president does not do, given the opportunities he has now, then, he will be putting Nigeria on fire.”

- PM NEWS

Interpol nabs three Nigerians ‘who scammed 50,000 victims worldwide’

 Three Nigerians have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a criminal organisation which is said to have compromised thousands of government and private companies in more than 150 countries across the world.

The arrest was carried out by a joint operation of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), Group-IB — a cyber security company — and the Nigeria police force.

INTERPOL, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the arrest of the suspects was as a result of a year-long investigation dubbed “Operation Falcon”.

“The suspects are alleged to have developed phishing links, domains, and mass mailing campaigns in which they impersonated representatives of organizations. They then used these campaigns to disseminate 26 malware programmes, spyware and remote access tools, including AgentTesla, Loki, Azorult, Spartan and the nanocore and Remcos Remote Access Trojans.” the statement reads.

“These programmes were used to infiltrate and monitor the systems of victim organizations and individuals, before launching scams and syphoning funds.

“According to Group-IB, the prolific gang is believed to have compromised government and private sector companies in more than 150 countries since 2017.”

Speaking on the arrest, Craig Jones, Interpol’s cybercrime director, was quoted as saying public-private relationships are important in “disrupting virtual crimes”, as cooperation in investigation will upset well-established criminal business models.

“This group was running a well-established criminal business model. From infiltration to cashing in, they used a multitude of tools and techniques to generate maximum profits. We look forward to seeing additional results from this operation,” Jones said.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, Group-IB described the three arrested persons as follows: “«OC» (32 y.o.), «IO» (34 y.o.), and «OI» (35 y.o.)”, adding that they were “identified with the help of Group-IB Cyber Investigations and CERT-GIB teams”.

“The data discovered on the devices of the arrested TMT members has confirmed their involvement in the criminal scheme and identified stolen data from at least 50,000 targeted victims, according to Nigerian Police,” the statement by Group-IB reads.

“Group-IB has been tracking the gang since 2019 and established that around 500,000 government and private sector companies could have been compromised by TMT gang members.

“Based on the infrastructure that the attackers use and their techniques, Group-IB was also able to establish that the gang is divided into subgroups with a number of individuals still at large. The findings on other suspected gang members, whom Group-IB was able to track down, have been shared with INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate. The investigation continues.

“The analysis of their operations revealed that the gang focuses on mass email phishing campaigns distributing popular malware strains under the guise of purchasing orders, product inquiries, and even COVID-19 aid impersonating legitimate companies.”

- THECABLE

Railway: Nigeria uses loans to buy refurbished locomotives – Shehu Sani

 

Shehu Sani, on Thursday expressed concerns over the frequent breakdown of locomotives along the Abuja-Kaduna train network.

He stated in a tweet that the breakdown of the locomotives is exposing commuters to danger.

Sani who was the Chairman of, Senate Committee on Loans and grants while in office accused the government of buying refurbished locomotives.

He added that the Chinese contractors must replace the locomotives at no cost to the federal government.

“Faulty Train Locomotive; It’s painful and tragic for Our country to pay for substandard or refurbished locomotives with huge loans. The broken down locomotives along Kaduna Abuja is putting the lives of many in danger. The Chinese contractor must replace them at zero cost to the Govt.”

The frequent breakdown of locomotives had caused the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi to apologize to Nigerians.

- DAILY POST

Marseille urge FIFA to retire no.10 shirt Diego Maradona

 

Marseille manager, Andres Villas-Boas, has called on the world football governing body FIFA, to retire the no.10 shirt in honour of late Argentina legend, Diego Maradona.

Maradona, who is widely considered the greatest footballer of all-time, died on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 60.

His health has been in decline in the last few months and he passed away at his Buenos Aires home after suffering a cardiac arrest.

His former club Napoli have already confirmed plans to rename their stadium in his honour, but Villas-Boas wants the sport to come together to go one step further by retiring the no.10 shirt from the game.

“I would like FIFA to retire the number 10 shirt in all competitions, for all teams.

“It would be the best homage we could do for him. He is an incredible loss for the world of football,” he said.

- PM NEWS

Nigeria ranked third most terrorised country in the world — for the sixth time

 

A report by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) says the number of deaths attributed to Boko Haram in Nigeria increased by 25 percent from 2018 to 2019.

The recent report said despite the rise in the number of casualties from Boko Haram attacks in the north-east, Nigeria is the second to record a fall in violent deaths after Afghanistan in 2019.

GTI said 2,043 people died from “terrorism-related acts” in Nigeria in 2018 but only 1,245 deaths were recorded in 2019. In the overall, deaths from terrorism world over fell by 15.5 percent from 2018 to 2019.

However, the study ranked Nigeria the third most terrorised country in the world for the sixth consecutive time.

“Nigeria had the second largest fall in total deaths, owing largely to a 72 percent reduction in fatalities attributed to Fulani
extremists,” it said.

“Despite this decrease, the number of deaths attributed to Boko Haram increased by 25 percent from 2018 to 2019.

“Renewed activity by Boko Haram in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger, remains a substantial threat to the region.”

The report also said Boko Haram carried out 11 suicide bombings killing 68 people.

“In 2019, Boko Haram carried out 11 suicide bombings causing 68 fatalities. Suicide bombings accounted for 6% of all terror-related incidents by Boko Haram in 2019, marking an 89% decline from their peak in 2017,” it said.

“Boko Haram was responsible for Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist attack in 2019 when assailants attacked a funeral in Badu, Borno
State.

“At least 70 people were killed and 10 others were wounded in the attack and ensuing clash. The two main factions of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) and the followers of Abubakar Shekau, are both engaged in an insurgency campaign against the Nigerian government.

“Violence by the two main factions of Boko Haram have taken a large toll on the civilian population, particularly in northeast
Nigeria, where continued attacks have internally displaced more than two million people and caused a further 240,000 Nigerian refugees to flee to neighbouring countries.”

- THECABLE

2023: Atiku poised to purchase PDP ticket – APC

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has attacked former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

The ruling party accused the Wazirin Adamawa of scheming to “purchase” the PDP 2023 ticket.

Atiku was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 general election.

On Thursday, Yekini Nabena, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, in a statement, mocked him and the opposition.

Nabena noted that Atiku has commenced campaign and holding political meetings in Dubai.

“The PDP and Alh. Atiku Abubakar, who has began early 2023 campaign on the PDP’s presidential candidature he is poised to purchase, are engrossed with their Dubai meetings to plot their hallucinatory return to ensure their bid to selloff the remainder of our national assets”, he wrote.

The spokesman added that, “Nigerians are wiser.”

A number of PDP chieftains have decamped to the APC.

They include Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, Senator Elisha Abbo (Adamawa North), ex-PDP national chairman, Barnabas Gemade, and House of Representatives ex-Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

- DAILY POST

Toronto, Baltimore, New York intercept over 900 stolen cars bound for Nigeria, Ghana [Photos]

 

The newest vehicle recovered in the US was a 2020 Maserati Ghibli valued at $78,485 billed to be shipped to West Africa

Cities in North America, such as Toronto in Canada, Baltimore and New York in United States said they have intercepted many stolen vehicles bound to be exported to Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries.

Over 900 of the vehicles stolen by auto-theft syndicates, have been intercepted in the last year.

The vehicles, such as Lexus, Honda are stolen from residential driveways in Toronto and driven to the port for shipment.

York and Toronto police in a statement said they made a “large” recovery of 73 stolen cars worth more than $4.5 million in a joint investigation with the Canada Border Services Agency.

Stolen car already containerised in Port of Baltimore bound for West Africa

containerised car scheduled for export in Canada

Recovered stolen vehicles in Baltimore bound for Ghana, Nigeria and other West African countries

Before the recovery, investigators said 32 stolen vehicles have already been shipped overseas to either Ghana or Nigeria.

The investigation began in September, 2020, when authorities became aware of a gang of thieves allegedly targeting Lexus, Toyota and Honda cars and operating out of a location on Kitimat Rd. in Mississauga, according to police.

The Toronto Police Service Auto Theft Suppression Unit and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), were involved in the investigation.

Investigators were able to identify four people involved in the theft and trafficking of vehicles and have made multiple arrests and laid charges.

They are Abu Sadiq Ayi, 41; Michael Atta, 32; Prince Boateng, 42; and David Ansong 40 — all of Toronto.

They face multiple charges including theft of a motor vehicle.

According to a statement by Sergeant Andy Pattenden of York Police, the men are being charged with

*Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime Over$5,000

*Theft of Motor Vehicle Over $5,000

*Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

*Possession of Automobile Master Key

*Theft of Motor Vehicle

“Auto theft is of huge concern to police,” Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner told the Toronto Sun.

“And we’re actively involved in investigations and targeting groups that are involved in these particular crimes.

“They’re organized crime groups and they’re going out and stealing these vehicles and, in a lot of cases, they’re being put in containers and shipped off to other countries. And we’re finding more and more of this is taking place. Money drives a lot of these crimes.”

“Our investigators have been working tirelessly to identify those responsible for the many thefts of high-end vehicles in York Region,” said York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween.

In Baltimore United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Baltimore field office have also busted a car theft syndicate.

They stopped 157 stolen cars from being shipped overseas during the past fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30, 2020).

The Baltimore Field Office ranks second in the number of vehicles intercepted during that time.

Only the New York field office recovered more.

The Baltimore Field Office covers the Port of Baltimore and the Port of Wilmington in Delaware.

The total value of the vehicles was $4,876,000.

Reports said 37 of the vehicles were stolen from Maryland. 16 others were stolen from Virginia.

Nationally, the Office of Field Operations recovered 1,082 stolen vehicles, of which 833 were destined overseas.

Most of the vehicles were being shipped to countries Benin, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

The most expensive recovered stolen vehicle was a 2019 Land Rover Range Rover, it was destined for Guinea.

The newest vehicle recovered was a 2020 Maserati Ghibli valued at $78,485.

The number of stolen car interceptions is on the increase, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

For example, the Baltimore field office cited a significant rise in the past three years. They recovered 100 stolen cars in 2018, a record 246 in 2019, and 157 this year.

That compares with just 41 stolen cars recovered in 2015, 14 in 2016, and 43 in 2017.

- PM NEWS