The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has uncovered a criminal network responsible for the illegal manufacture and distribution of more than 30,000 counterfeit Defective Vehicle (DV) plates across the country, with an estimated value of GH¢12.51 million.

The Chief Executive of the DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, disclosed this at a press briefing at the head office, revealing that the illegal operation is costing the state approximately GH¢20 million annually in lost revenue. Describing the situation as a major threat to the country’s regulatory system, Mr. Kotey stated that the activities of the network go beyond a simple regulatory violation.

“This is not merely a regulatory breach but a criminal enterprise that threatens national security, undermines law enforcement and deprives the state of legitimate revenue. We will continue to work closely with security agencies to dismantle this network and bring all those involved to justice,” he said.

Investigations conducted by the Authority in collaboration with the National Security revealed a well-organised operation with a structured distribution network. According to the Authority, the counterfeit plates were produced at an undisclosed location and transported at night to a distribution point in La Paz, Accra, before being distributed through networks operating in Kumasi and Takoradi.

So far, five suspects have been arrested and arraigned before court and have been remanded into custody. They are expected to reappear on March 17, 2026, while two additional suspects remain at large and are currently being pursued by security agencies.

The Authority also revealed that the fake DV plates were often accompanied by forged documentation, including counterfeit motor insurance certificates and fake Form D and Form E logbook documents, giving the impression that vehicles were properly registered and insured. The Authority warned that in the event of an accident, such fraudulent documentation could leave victims without valid insurance protection.

Preliminary investigations further suggest that the suspects are linked to illegal intermediaries popularly known as “goro boys,” who operate within and around some DVLA offices.

As part of measures to curb the illegal trade, DVLA has restricted the issuance of DV plates for 2026 in accordance with Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180). Under the regulation, DV plates may only be issued to motor traders, fleet owners and licensed trade plate dealers and may only be used for specific purposes such as moving unregistered vehicles, testing vehicles after assembly or repair, or delivering repaired vehicles to fleet owners. Each officially issued DV plate costs GH¢417.25.

The Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services, Mr. Foster Akwasi Asante, also cautioned individuals who may consider engaging in the illegal trade to desist, warning that security agencies are actively pursuing offenders. Mr. Kotey further announced that the DVLA will soon introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) embedded number plates to enable electronic verification of vehicle registration details and detect counterfeit plates.

In addition, the Authority plans to open five new DVLA offices within the next two weeks to improve public access to its services nationwide. DVLA advises the public to transact business directly with authorised staff and avoid middlemen while investigations into the illegal DV plate network continue.