Ghanaian Auto Theft Ringleader Arrested in US

WASHINGTON -- Investigators said they may have broken up a major East Coast car-theft ring. Police said a series of raids in suburban Maryland on Monday yielded evidence about a group that allegedly stole more than 1,000 luxury vehicles in the past year and shipped them to West Africa and the Middle East.

Police said one of the ringleaders was Solomon Asare, 31, a native of Ghana. He was arrested last week in New Jersey.

Eight others have also been arrested, including Macki Tall, 27, of Gaithersburg, who was arrested Friday in Virginia.

On Monday, investigators raided Asare's home in Upper Marlboro, Md., along with a commercial lot and an undisclosed location in Howard County.

Police said the group stole high end vehicles from dealerships and driveways in the Washington area, New York and New Jersey.

Investigators believe the stolen cars were packed onto container ships in New Jersey ports and shipped abroad.