- CBP officers in Baltimore seized a stolen 2015 Caterpillar D8T bulldozer worth $237,000 bound for Ghana.
- The seizure occurred during a routine export inspection on September 3, 2025.
- Vehicle identification confirmed it matched an active theft report in Maryland.
- CBP emphasizes efforts to combat transnational criminal networks exporting stolen vehicles.
- Baltimore recovered 250 stolen vehicles in 2024, with Ghana being a frequent destination.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Baltimore have intercepted a stolen 2015 Caterpillar D8T bulldozer valued at around $237,000, preventing it from being exported to Ghana.
The heavy-duty tractor was identified during a routine export inspection at the Area Port of Baltimore on September 3, 2025. A check of the vehicle identification number revealed it matched an active theft report filed with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland. Following verification, CBP officers seized the equipment before it could leave the port.
Jason Kropiewnicki, Acting Area Port Director for Baltimore, emphasized that the seizure reflects ongoing efforts to disrupt international criminal networks involved in exporting stolen vehicles. He highlighted the agency’s commitment to collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement to recover stolen property and hold offenders accountable.
Baltimore has a long-standing reputation as a key recovery hub for stolen vehicles. In 2024, CBP’s Baltimore Field Office recovered 250 stolen vehicles slated for export, with roughly 60% heading to West Africa. Ghana was a common destination, accounting for 28 of those recoveries.
