
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Baltimore is deploying innovative inspection methods to prevent stolen vehicles from being exported illegally.
At a Glance
- Stolen vehicles are often disguised for export, destined for West Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
- CBP uses advanced technology, including X-rays, to disrupt auto theft conspiracies.
- Congress engages in discussions to tackle international automobile theft.
- Over 90 percent of intercepted stolen autos are headed to West Africa.
CBP’s Role in Preventing Auto Theft
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Baltimore faces the challenge of inspecting hundreds of vehicles daily, with the goal of intercepting stolen cars before they leave U.S. borders. CBP utilizes X-ray technology to enhance detection. Fraudulent schemes often involve fake vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to disguise stolen automobiles, making the task particularly difficult.
Vehicles intercepted at the Port of Baltimore are primarily destined for West Africa, accounting for 90 to 95% of all recovered stolen cars. Such operations underscore the complexity of border crimes and emphasize the international scope of the illegal auto trade.
International and Federal Initiatives
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer held discussions with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CBP, and local law enforcement to address the export of stolen vehicles. These efforts serve to combat auto theft through enhanced coordination and information sharing among agencies.
“Jersey law enforcement is working overtime in our towns and cities to capture the criminals, and the coordination within the state deserves our praise. I’m grateful that DHS took the time today to brief us on their efforts to crack down on auto theft,” stated Congressman Gottheimer.
The discussion led to the creation of an Auto Export Crimes Task Force designed to enhance operational collaboration at ports, especially Port Newark, where a significant number of stolen vehicles are recovered.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The theft and international trafficking of vehicles highlight severe gaps in global trade monitoring. The complex network of thieves and buyers requires sustained efforts by federal and local authorities to prevent stolen vehicles from leaving the country aboard cargo ships.
“Some governments will play nicer, and other governments won’t, and you can’t search every container. And that’s why the security at the port is so critically important,” noted Alex Piquero.
Going forward, CBP aims to refine its search operations and improve global partnerships to counteract the sophisticated strategies employed by gangs involved in the illicit car trade.