Zim Couple Arrested in UK for Smuggling Luxury Cars Worth Millions

A Zimbabwean couple living in Stratford, East London, has been arrested in connection with a multi-million pound luxury car smuggling ring that targeted high-end vehicles across the United Kingdom Tendai Chigova, 41, and his wife Melissa Chigova, 35, were taken into custody during a dramatic early-morning police raid on their apartment.The operation, carried out by the Metropolitan Police’s Organised Vehicle Crime Unit, uncovered a trove of evidence linking the couple to a sophisticated car theft and export syndicate.Authorities seized fake registration documents, vehicle key fobs for various models, and over £250,000 in cash hidden in suitcases inside the flat.According to lead investigator Detective Sarah Donnelly, the couple is believed to have played a central role in a smuggling operation that involved the theft and illegal export of luxury vehicles including Range Rovers, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benz models.“These were not opportunistic car thieves,” said Donnelly “This was a highly organised network that we believe has been operating for over four years, moving stolen vehicles out of the UK to buyers in West Africa and the Middle East.”Zim couple the Chigovas allegedly coordinated the collection of stolen cars from various parts of the UK before altering their identification numbers and creating forged paperwork.From there, the vehicles were shipped through UK ports, mainly in containers falsely labelled to avoid detection.Police suspect the operation had deep international ties and may involve several other accomplices across different countries.The syndicate is believed to have made millions of pounds in profits by selling the stolen vehicles on the black market in countries where luxury imports are highly sought after.As part of the investigation, law enforcement agencies in Ghana, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates are now assisting UK authorities to track down individuals who may have received the stolen vehicles.“It’s an international web of crime,” said Detective Donnelly.“And this Zim couple’s arrest is a major breakthrough.”Bank records, electronic devices, and phone communications seized during the raid are also being analysed to uncover the full extent of the couple’s involvement and possible links to wider criminal groups.Neighbours in the Stratford apartment complex described the Chigovas as quiet and seemingly well-off.“They always had new cars parked downstairs − big cars, the kind most people can’t afford,” said one neighbour, who asked not to be named “We just thought they were doing really well in business.”Authorities believe the Zim couple used proceeds from the illegal scheme to finance a lavish lifestyle that included expensive jewellery, luxury overseas trips, and designer clothing.Investigators are now working to seize assets linked to the criminal operation, including bank accounts, vehicles, and properties that may have been acquired using the proceeds of crime.Both Tendai and Melissa Chigova remain in police custody and are expected to appear at a magistrates’ court later this week They face multiple charges, including:Conspiracy to steal motor vehiclesMoney launderingPossession of criminal propertyFraud and use of forged documentsFurther arrests are expected as the investigation widens, and police are appealing to the public for any information that may help uncover other members of the network.The Metropolitan Police used the Zimbabwean couple’s case to highlight the growing issue of luxury car thefts and international smuggling rings.“This case serves as a reminder that luxury car theft is not just about joyriding,” said Detective Donnelly.“It’s organised crime that funds even more serious criminal activity We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.”The case has sparked broader concerns about the rising number of UK-based criminal syndicates with overseas connections, especially involving the illegal export of stolen goods.Experts warn that global coordination among law enforcement agencies is becoming increasingly important in tackling such cross-border crimes − EWNShare on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews.com . Source: Herald_Com