NaVCIS, a UK national police unit, facilitate the seizure of stolen finance vehicles from across Europe

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has prevented the theft of or returned 320 stolen finance vehicles across Europe since 2021 with the support of HPI Check data.

The NaVCIS is funded by the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) to recover stolen finance vehicles. The dedicated team has recovered cars from across Europe, with Romania and Bulgaria consistently being the top destination markets.  These thieves are in possession of the keys, obtaining finance to acquire the vehicle either in their own name and failing to pay or by fraud using a false identity.

The team has found and returned vehicles worth £9.6m, with Romania and Bulgaria accounting for 60% of the value seized. HPI Check supports the work by sponsoring NaVCIS with vehicle data, which is made available to European Law Enforcement to aid in identifying stolen vehicles.

Re-registration centres in countries across Europe rely upon HPI Check to identify stolen UK finance vehicles.

NaVCIS say criminal gangs will take out vehicles on hire purchase agreements, and the offenders will fit the cars with false plates and then default on the payment. The vehicles leave the UK through ferries, shipping containers and the channel tunnel.

When vehicles are being re-registered in the destination country, the intelligence and data provided by the NaVCIS and HPI Check help to identify stolen vehicles so they can be seized and returned to UK finance companies.

NaVCIS conduct operations (OPs) to detect, deter and disrupt serious organised crime. The sharing of intelligence between UK law enforcement and overseas law enforcement agencies is essential in fighting this crime. The team also develop best practice to overcome and prevent vehicle finance crime. 

Commenting on the scheme, Sharon Naughton, head of NaVCIS said: “These are complex crimes operating across international borders, and it requires the tireless work of the NaVCIS team of experts, alongside partners across Europe, to identify and seize these vehicles. Our data partnership with HPI is essential to the process, which is time critical to prevent onward transit of stolen cars, reducing opportunities for seizure and allows vehicles to be checked for outstanding finance, theft and a wide range of other factors.”

More foreign police services are interested in cooperating with NaVCIS. HPI, part of the global automotive data company Solera, has committed to supporting an expansion to help track down and secure stolen vehicles.

Jon Clay, data director (identification) at HPI, said: “Advanced technology ensures that our data is updated in real-time, and we’re pleased to support the vital work undertaken by NaVCIS. A HPI Check helps motorists establish if a car has been reported stolen or has outstanding finance, alongside discrepancies, such as accident data or mileage tampering. By building up a comprehensive vehicle history, any discrepancies are highlighted, giving car buyers the information they need to purchase a vehicle with confidence.”