Africa, Russia top in destination for stolen cars - Interpol

By CYRUS OMBATI and Agencies

Africa and Russia are believed by Interpol to be the top destinations for the quarter of a million unrecovered stolen vehicles in Europe in the past five years.

According to Sebastian Schmucker, in charge of combatting the trafficking of stolen vehicles at the international police agency, cars stolen in Northern Europe usually end up in Russia, while those in Southern Europe are shipped to Africa.

Right-hand drive cars stolen from Britain often end up in South Africa, where driving is also on the left.

“The trafficking of stolen cars is part of organised crime, of drugs, weapons and even terrorism, which it finances. It is relatively simple and the risk is low,” he added.