Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers confirmed to be in Sierra Leone

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) and police have confirmed that Jos Leijdekkers, one of the most wanted fugitives in the Netherlands, has been in Sierra Leone for more than six months. This announcement follows reports by AD and Follow the Money.

The OM disclosed that law enforcement had received “multiple signals regarding the whereabouts” of the 33-year-old fugitive, also known as Bolle Jos, over the past several years. “These signals pertained to various countries worldwide,” the OM stated. After extensive investigations, authorities became certain of Leijdekkers' presence in Sierra Leone more than six months ago.

“The highest priority is being placed on bringing Leijdekkers back to the Netherlands to serve his sentence,” the OM said, declining to provide specifics about ongoing efforts to secure his extradition. “Everything is being done, but no further details can be shared in the interest of the investigation.”

According to AD and Follow the Money, Leijdekkers has allegedly been seen in official photographs with Sierra Leone’s president and is suspected of bribing high-ranking officials. The media also reported claims of a personal relationship between Leijdekkers and the president’s daughter.

Leijdekkers is on both the National Wanted List and the EU Most Wanted List. In June 2023, he was sentenced to 24 years in prison for organizing six drug shipments totaling nearly 7,000 kilograms of cocaine and for commissioning a murder. Additionally, a Belgian court sentenced him in September 2023 to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking and assault.

Dutch authorities are also investigating Leijdekkers’ possible involvement in other crimes, including the disappearance of Naima Jillal, last seen in Amsterdam on October 20, 2019. A reward of 200,000 euros has been offered for information leading to his arrest.

The OM and police have not commented on these specific allegations but reiterated their commitment to bringing Leijdekkers to justice.