The operation saw National Crime Agency (NCA), National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NVCIS), Interpol and the anti-fraud investigators at APU Ltd work together.

Helped by technology, forensic analysis capabilities and human intelligence expertise from APU Ltd, officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) tracked the journey of a Lexus stolen in London to the Ugandan capital, Kampala, where more than a million pounds worth of stolen vehicles were discovered and the car-smuggling ring dismantled.

The operation posed a national threat but the impact of the operation is believed to have shut down the criminal syndicate in Uganda, previously one of the most prevalent destinations for cars stolen from the UK. 

In total, the APU-monitored Lexus led Police to 28 high-value vehicles stolen from the UK, which are now in the process of being repatriated.

NCA regional manager Paul Stanfield said: “This investigation is an excellent example of the close co-operation between the UK National Crime Agency, National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NVCIS), Interpol and APU to tackle the increasing threat from organised vehicle crime.

“Having seen how private and public sectors have worked hand-in-hand so perfectly during this investigation, I am in no doubt what it means for the success of future operations and the importance of collaboration and looking at organisations like APU.”