Gambiaj.com – (Rotterdam, Netherlands) – A Dutch court has ordered the confiscation of nearly €96 million ($112 million) in criminal profits from Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most notorious drug traffickers, amid growing international concern over his alleged hideout in Sierra Leone.
Leijdekkers, 34, widely known by his underworld alias “Bolle Jos” (Chubby Jos), was tried and sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison for large-scale cocaine smuggling and orchestrating at least one murder.
Despite being on Europol’s Most Wanted List with a $225,000 bounty for his capture, Leijdekkers has eluded authorities—who now say they are “absolutely certain” he is in Sierra Leone.
The Rotterdam District Court announced its ruling on Monday, ordering the forfeiture of tens of millions of euros derived from cocaine shipments and laundered through gold purchases. Prosecutors had initially sought to confiscate €215 million ($250 million), but the court dismissed claims linked to alleged luxury assets due to insufficient evidence.
While Dutch authorities push for his extradition, the controversy in Sierra Leone is mounting. In January, First Lady Fatima Bio posted images from a church service that appeared to show Leijdekkers standing just feet away from President Julius Maada Bio. One image also showed him near Agnes Bio, the president’s daughter.
Exiled Sierra Leonean opposition figure Mohamed Mansaray has publicly accused the Bio government of “harboring a fugitive drug baron,” claiming Leijdekkers has cultivated close ties with political elites in Freetown.
Leijdekkers has also been linked to the 2019 disappearance of Naima Jillal, a woman last seen entering a vehicle in Amsterdam. Europol believes intercepted messages place him at the center of that case, raising concerns that his alleged crimes extend beyond narcotics.
Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin has renewed calls for cooperation, saying Leijdekkers’ arrest remains a “top priority.” However, authorities in Sierra Leone have yet to confirm his presence in the country or respond to mounting international pressure.
The case threatens to strain relations between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone as questions grow over the potential protection of one of Europe’s most dangerous fugitives within West African borders.
