Six people have been charged in the United States over an alleged international car theft ring that investigators say stole dozens of vehicles and sold them to buyers in the US and Ghana.
Prosecutors say the group operated out of Washington DC and used electronic devices to reprogram cars so they could be started with blank key fobs.
At least 20 vehicles are believed to have been stolen and resold, but officers are investigating links to more than 100 thefts.
The charges follow a year-long joint investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies. Officials say the suspects targeted vehicles and bypassed security systems using specialised technology, allowing them to gain access and drive away without original keys.
Authorities also carried out a search this week at an automobile storage facility in Decatur, Georgia, which they believe is connected to the network. Details of what was recovered during the search have not been released.
Investigators say the case emphasizes the growing use of electronic tools in organised car theft and the international routes used to sell stolen vehicles.
The inquiry is ongoing.
