Smuggling 101: How Cars are Illegally Exported and How Customs Authorities are Battling the Threat

The Ongoing Battle Against Auto Theft: A Global Problem
Auto theft is a persistent issue that shows no signs of slowing down. The pandemic may have contributed to a surge in thefts, but it’s not the only factor. With viral social media videos and sneaky thieves, the number of stolen vehicles has increased since 2020. Domestic crime rings and state authorities are working to keep up with the demand, but the feds are also contending with ever-enterprising criminals who move vehicles out of the country before most owners even report them missing.
The Port of Baltimore: A Hotspot for Illegal Cars
The Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports in the US, is a key location for inspecting vehicles. According to Port of Baltimore CBP Director Adam Rottman, the agency inspects several hundred vehicles daily. While they can’t check every shipping container, they find at least one illegal car during everyday random searches, aided by mobile X-ray trucks that can scan entire containers in minutes.
Concealing Stolen Vehicles
Criminals often hide stolen vehicles within cargo containers, burying them under or behind household items like furniture, mattresses, and flooring. They may also use fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to make the vehicles appear legitimate. In the case of a stolen Ford F-150 Raptor, Rottman explained that the checked digit on the VIN didn’t match what’s supposed to be on a Ford truck.
Global Destinations
The final destination of these contraband cars is often West Africa, with 90-95% of stolen vehicles headed to the region. Other destinations include Asia and the Middle East, but the speed at which thefts happen is the main issue. "There are people who are stealing cars and car parts to sell them very quickly in the local markets," said criminology professor Alex Piquero. "And then there are people literally stealing cars and putting them on containers and selling them, shipping them all over the world."
Rental Cars: A Popular Target
Rental cars are a popular target for thieves, who borrow them for a 30-day period and then steal them. The vehicle could be driven into a cargo carrier, shipped overseas, and sold before the rental agency even knows to file a missing vehicle report.
The Consequences
The buyer on the other end may not be aware that the vehicle is stolen property and may not know its history, including whether it was involved in an accident, has a salvage title, or was poorly maintained. This puts the new owner and their passengers at risk while also funding criminal enterprises, unknowingly or otherwise.
The Battle Continues
While cooperation from African nations with Interpol and other international agencies is improving, it’s still inconsistent. Every step forward is a step in the right direction, but it’s unlikely to keep up with criminals’ pace. If you have tips, send them to [email protected].
Key Points:
- Auto theft is a persistent issue that shows no signs of slowing down.
- The Port of Baltimore is a key location for inspecting vehicles.
- Criminals often hide stolen vehicles within cargo containers.
- The final destination of these contraband cars is often West Africa.
- Rental cars are a popular target for thieves.
- The buyer on the other end may not be aware that the vehicle is stolen property.
- Cooperation from African nations with Interpol and other international agencies is improving, but still inconsistent.