Europe’s Most Wanted Cocaine Kingpin Found in Sierra Leone: Tied toPresident Bio
’s Family Through Marriage
Freetown, Sierra Leone One of Europe’s most notorious fugitives, Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, better known as “Bolle Jos,” has reportedly sought refuge in Sierra Leone under what is suspected to be high-level protection. Leijdekkers, 33, was convicted in absentia by a Rotterdam court on June 25, 2024, and sentenced to 24 years in prison for orchestrating the smuggling of over seven tonnes of cocaine.
Initially believed to be hiding in Turkey, recent investigations have revealed his presence in Sierra Leone, where he has been living for at least six months. Sources allege that his continued stay in the country may be linked to a close relationship with President Julius Maada Bio’s family.
Leijdekkers was reportedly spotted in a video taken during a New Year’s Day church service on January 1, 2025, in Tihun, southern Sierra Leone, where he was seated just two rows behind President Bio. He was accompanied by a woman identified by multiple sources as Agnes Bio, the president’s daughter. While the exact nature of their relationship remains unconfirmed, speculation is rife that they may be married.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service confirmed Leijdekkers’ presence in Sierra Leone and vowed to continue efforts to extradite him to the Netherlands. “It is the highest priority of police and prosecutors to get him to the Netherlands to serve his sentence. We are doing everything we can in that regard,” said Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin.
Leijdekkers is among Europe’s most wanted criminals, with his name prominently listed on Europol’s most-wanted list. He is accused of playing a significant role in international cocaine trafficking and laundering tens of millions of euros and hundreds of kilograms of gold. Dutch authorities have offered a record-breaking €200,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Over the past two decades, West Africa has emerged as a major hub for the transit of cocaine from Latin America to Europe, a trend that has raised serious international concerns. Sierra Leone, in particular, has come under scrutiny as a key transit point following incidents such as the discovery of seven suitcases containing suspected cocaine in a diplomatic vehicle linked to its embassy in Guinea.
The revelation of Leijdekkers’ presence in Sierra Leone, coupled with the alleged connection to the president’s family, has sparked outrage in the Netherlands and among international observers. Questions are being raised about the extent of local involvement in protecting one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers.
Despite international pressure, Sierra Leonean authorities have yet to comment on these developments. Meanwhile, Dutch prosecutors are urging global law enforcement agencies to assist in bringing Leijdekkers to justice, stressing the urgent need to dismantle his extensive drug trafficking network.
As investigations continue, the case underscores the growing challenge of combating international drug cartels, particularly as they exploit weak governance and corruption in emerging transit hubs like West Africa.
