The case of the high-end vehicle trafficking between Europe and West Africa has taken a new turn. Despite the imprisonment of the alleged mastermind of the network, investigations are revealing connections now extending from Canada to Togo, involving accomplices on the run and public figures.

A BMW stolen in Berlin in the hands of an artist

One of the most striking revelations concerns a blue BMW reported stolen in Berlin on March 24, 2024. The vehicle was reportedly driven freely in Abidjan before being entrusted to a renowned Ivorian artist , a figure in the coupé-décalé and zouglou genres who shone during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Following a major engine failure after intensive use, the vehicle is currently immobilized in a garage in Treichville.

Interpol in action: arrest in Togo and Canadian links

The investigation crossed Ivorian borders with the arrest in Togo, at the end of April 2026, of a Nigerian national close to the main suspect, MY alias "Amada" .

1. The seizure: Two vehicles stolen in Canada were found in his possession.
2. The modus operandi: These cars allegedly transited through Ivory Coast before being smuggled to Togo just after the arrest of "Amada".

An accomplice on the run and a mayor implicated

While "Amada" has been behind bars since March 4, 2026, his main lieutenant is actively being sought. The latter is believed to be using a false identity (the name "Boigny") to deceive his victims.

Investigators suspect him of possessing:

1. A blue Jaguar stolen in Italy.
2. A BMW M2 that is currently being used by the mayor of a town in the Centre-West , near Toumodi.

A structured logistics and financial network

The criminal organization appears to have strong support:

1. Border transit: Vehicles would arrive via Lagos (Nigeria) before entering Ivory Coast through the Noé border, thus bypassing official customs controls.
2. Financial support: A microfinance institution is currently under surveillance, suspected of having financed the activities of the main suspect.
3. Land-related aspect: Complaints regarding dubious real estate transactions are now being added to the "Amada" case file.

The defense denounces a smear campaign.

Faced with the mounting charges, MY's defense team reacted strongly. His lawyer, Moïse Gourihi Titiro , formally contested the label of "mastermind of an international network" attributed to his client. He denounced the accusations as slanderous and aimed at damaging his client's reputation.

Inventory of vehicles wanted: A blacklist is circulating within the economic and financial criminal division, including in particular a midnight blue Range Rover Vogue , a Porsche Cayenne S , as well as BMW M2 and M6 models .

The case is currently being handled by several investigating chambers of the Abidjan-Plateau court of first instance.