Rwanda's Investigation Bureau intensifies efforts to combat transnational vehicle theft networks.
On October 25, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) handed over five stolen cars to South African authorities, marking a significant achievement in the country’s ongoing battle against cross-border vehicle theft. This operation is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to dismantle transnational vehicle theft networks that operate across southern and eastern Africa.
The recovered vehicles, which included a Range Rover Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Rush, Toyota Hilux, and Toyota RAV4, had all been reported stolen in South Africa. They were flagged by INTERPOL’s global criminal database and intercepted by Rwandan authorities after crossing into the country through various border points.
Understanding the Trafficking Routes
According to Thierry Murangira, RIB spokesperson, the vehicles entered Rwanda after being stolen in South Africa and were moved through multiple countries using forged ownership and customs documents. “These vehicles were stolen from South Africa and entered Rwanda, where they were intercepted through the i24/7 system used by all INTERPOL member countries,” Murangira explained.
Once a vehicle is reported stolen, its details are uploaded into the i24/7 system. Whenever it passes through a border equipped with this platform, it is automatically flagged and intercepted. Investigations have shown that these stolen vehicles often travel northwards through Mozambique and Tanzania or westward through Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo before reaching Rwanda.
At each stage of the journey, traffickers utilize counterfeit registration papers, altered chassis numbers, and fake export documents to disguise the vehicle’s true origin. In some instances, stolen cars are sold to unsuspecting buyers, further complicating recovery efforts.
The Role of the i24/7 System
The RIB attributes much of its recent success in recovering stolen vehicles to the i24/7 system, a secure digital platform that allows police and investigative agencies in 190 member countries to share criminal data in real time. “RIB utilizes the i24/7 system, which is installed at all Rwandan border posts,” Murangira stated. The system’s effectiveness hinges on the accuracy of the information entered into it, which is also used for tracking fugitives and other cross-border criminal activities.
Through this system, RIB investigators and customs officers can instantly verify a vehicle’s registration details, chassis number, and ownership against INTERPOL’s global database. If a match is found with a reported stolen vehicle, an alert is generated, and the car is detained immediately.
In 2023 alone, two luxury SUVs reported stolen from Johannesburg were intercepted at the Rusumo border post, showcasing the system’s effectiveness in real-time vehicle tracking.
Collaboration with Border Agencies
RIB’s success is also attributed to its coordination with border agencies, customs officials, and the Rwanda National Police. Major border posts such as Gatuna, Rusumo, and Bugarama are now fully equipped with i24/7 terminals that link directly to INTERPOL’s central database. Officers stationed at these posts receive continuous training in document verification, risk profiling, and digital investigation.
“Border management today is about information and technology,” said a senior investigator familiar with the operations. “When a vehicle crosses into Rwanda, its registration number and VIN are immediately compared with INTERPOL records. If something doesn’t match, the system alerts us, and we act right away.”
This integration of data systems among security institutions has significantly reduced the loopholes traffickers once exploited. Even vehicles entering through unofficial crossings are more easily traced thanks to inter-agency intelligence and digital surveillance.
Regional Cooperation and Future Efforts
Murangira emphasized that the interception of stolen vehicles is part of a sustained collaboration with regional and international law enforcement bodies. “Cooperation is grounded in the shared commitment of INTERPOL member countries to combat transnational organized crime,” he noted. Rwanda’s active participation in the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) has enhanced intelligence sharing on vehicle theft, cybercrime, and human trafficking.
In 2022, INTERPOL coordinated a regional sweep across East and Southern Africa that led to the recovery of more than 200 vehicles in eight countries. Rwanda was among the participants and has since adopted several recommendations from the operation, including faster data entry and verification at border posts.
Rwanda’s Record on Vehicle Theft
Unlike other countries in the region, Rwanda has not been a significant source of stolen vehicles in recent years. Murangira stated that there have been no reported cases of vehicles stolen from Rwanda ending up abroad in the past decade. “This type of crime has been effectively eradicated, and it is now highly unlikely for a stolen vehicle to be taken out of Rwanda,” he said.
Murangira’s assertion aligns with police data showing a sharp decline in vehicle theft since 2015, indicating the effectiveness of Rwanda’s strategies in combating this crime.
As Rwanda continues to enhance its border security measures and international cooperation, the country remains committed to tackling the challenges posed by transnational vehicle theft networks.
Source: The New Times
Key Points
- Rwanda handed over five stolen vehicles to South Africa on October 25.
- The vehicles were flagged by INTERPOL's global criminal database.
- Traffickers use forged documents to move stolen vehicles across borders.
- The i24/7 system has been crucial in intercepting stolen vehicles.
- Rwanda collaborates with regional law enforcement for effective vehicle recovery.
Sources: Inside Rwanda’s quiet war on cross-border vehicle theft