World · Africa · 2 hrs ago
Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers accused of building influence in Sierra Leone
Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers is accused of building influence in Sierra Leone, where he has reportedly lived since 2022.
Known as Bolle Jos, he is wanted in the Netherlands over large-scale drug trafficking and violent crimes.
An investigation says he has developed contacts among government, police and military officials, and may be protected by people tasked with pursuing him.
It also estimates that his cocaine business could bring in about $150 million a month, though the figure comes from intelligence sources.
Sierra Leone’s authorities deny involvement in drug trafficking, and the extent of Leijdekkers’ influence is difficult to verify.
The Netherlands and Europe are seeking to increase pressure, including through sanctions and investigations, but suspending €18 million in European aid may mainly affect public projects rather than political elites.
Extradition appears unlikely for now, while the 2028 presidential election may bring change.
Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers is accused of building a network of influence in Sierra Leone while conducting international cocaine trafficking.
A Guardian investigation, cited by Dutch outlets, says the network includes contacts in government, police and the military.
The reporting alleges that officials helped protect Leijdekkers, although the allegations have not all been independently verified and Sierra Leone’s authorities deny involvement in drug trafficking.
Leijdekkers is reported to have lived in Sierra Leone since 2022 and to have married Agnes Bio, the daughter of President Julius Maada Bio.
Dutch and European efforts to increase pressure include sanctions and the suspension of 18 million euros in European support.
- Who
- Jos Leijdekkers, a Dutch fugitive known as Bolle Jos. Sierra Leone’s authorities are also discussed in connection with allegations of official protection.
- What
- He is accused of building influence and protection networks in Sierra Leone while running an international cocaine business.
- When
- He is reported to have lived in Sierra Leone since 2022. The articles were published on 15 and 16 October 2026.
- Where
- Sierra Leone, including Freetown.
- Why
- The investigation alleges that his influence supports his cocaine-trading operations. The sources do not establish his motive directly.
The Guardian investigation and reporting
Sierra Leone’s authorities
Official involvement
The Guardian investigation and reporting
The reporting alleges that officials in government, police and the military helped Leijdekkers build influence and receive protection.
Sierra Leone’s authorities
Sierra Leone’s authorities have denied involvement in drug trafficking.
Strength of evidence
The Guardian investigation and reporting
The reporting draws on interviews with dozens of police and intelligence sources, but the allegations about his network and official protection have not all been independently verified.
Sierra Leone’s authorities
The authorities’ denial is reported; further detail about their position is not stated.
A convoy of six cars drew attention in Freetown as it travelled to a bar and a house near Hamilton Beach, where high-ranking police officials were reportedly present.
Leijdekkers is reported to have lived in Sierra Leone and built contacts in government, police and the military.
Omroep Brabant published an article summarising The Guardian’s investigation.
BNR reported on the allegations and European efforts to increase pressure on Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone’s next presidential election is cited as a possible moment for change.
- Reported monthly cocaine profits
- About 150 million US dollars
- Officials allegedly involved
- Hundreds of military personnel, police officers and other officials, according to the BNR report
- Reported European support suspension
- 18 million euros
- Reported residence in Sierra Leone
- Since 2022
- Reported relationship
- Married Agnes Bio, daughter of President Julius Maada Bio
- Reported future election
- Presidential election in 2028