Abomey-Calavi Police: Démantèle Réseau Vol Motos, Saisit 25+ Motos Volées

• Abomey-Calavi police dismantled a motorcycle theft and receiving network, seizing over 25 vehicles.
• The investigation began after a motorcycle stolen on January 12, 2026, was spotted by the victim's husband eight months later.
• Police arrested the rider, who led them to a reseller in Sékou, Allada, where numerous stolen motorcycles were found.
• The reseller and an accomplice were presented to the public prosecutor for legal action.
• Authorities are urging victims of motorcycle theft to visit the Abomey-Calavi police station with ID to identify recovered vehicles.

Authorities in Abomey-Calavi have successfully dismantled a significant network involved in the theft and receiving of motorcycles, culminating in the seizure of numerous vehicles and the arrest of key individuals.

Authorities in Abomey-Calavi have successfully dismantled a significant network involved in the theft and receiving of motorcycles, culminating in the seizure of numerous vehicles and the arrest of key individuals. The operation, spearheaded by the Abomey-Calavi central police station, highlights ongoing efforts by the Republican Police to combat organized crime in the region, particularly concerning vehicle theft.

This extensive investigation began following a complaint filed after a motorcycle, specifically a Haojue, was stolen on January 12, 2026. The victim had been stranded on the Houédo-Calavi road when an individual, posing as a mechanic, offered assistance. After ostensibly repairing the motorcycle, the purported mechanic requested a test ride, subsequently absconding with the vehicle and leaving the owner behind.

Eight months after the initial theft, on August 26, 2026, a crucial breakthrough occurred when the victim's husband recognized his wife's stolen motorcycle in circulation. He promptly alerted the police, who swiftly intervened to apprehend the suspect. During interrogation, the alleged thief disclosed that he had purchased the motorcycle in Sékou, a locality within the Allada commune in the Atlantique department, from an individual known as a motorcycle reseller.

Acting on this information, the police team proceeded to the reseller's residence in Sékou, Allada, where they uncovered what was described as a veritable storehouse for illicit goods. The subsequent search of the premises led to the seizure of more than 25 motorcycles of various makes. Many of these vehicles lacked proper documentation, and some had already been disassembled, indicating a systematic operation to sell parts. The receiver admitted to acquiring stolen motorcycles from criminals for resale, claiming he trusted sellers who presented a gray card, despite the suspicious nature of the transactions.

Following their apprehension, both the receiver and his accomplice were presented before the public prosecutor, signaling the commencement of legal proceedings against the individuals involved in this extensive network of motorcycle theft and receiving in Bénin. This action underscores the commitment of the Republican Police to prosecute those who facilitate the trade in stolen property.

In the wake of the successful operation, the Republican Police issued a public appeal, commending community cooperation and urging all presumed victims of motorcycle theft to come forward. Individuals who believe their motorcycles may have been recovered are advised to present themselves at the Abomey-Calavi police station with valid identification documents to facilitate the identification and potential recovery of their vehicles. This initiative aims to reunite owners with their stolen property and further disrupt the illicit market for stolen motorcycles.

Lawyers representing clients whose motorcycles were stolen in the Abomey-Calavi or Allada areas of Benin should advise them to contact the Abomey-Calavi police station to identify potentially recovered property. This operation also highlights active police enforcement against organized theft and receiving stolen goods, which may influence future criminal defense strategies or asset recovery efforts.

Source: Original reporting via local Bénin news