Sierra Leone is investigating reports that Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison for smuggling over seven tons of cocaine, is residing in the country with high-level protection. Leijdekkers, one of Europol’s most-wanted fugitives, has reportedly been in Sierra Leone since early 2023. Verified images have confirmed his presence in the country. One such image shows him at a church Mass on January 1, 2025, seated near President Julius Maada Bio. The image shows him seated next to a woman who is allegedly Bio’s daughter. While they remain unconfirmed, there are allegations that Leijdekkers is married to Agnes. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leonean government has denied knowledge of Leijdekkers’ presence, stating it had received no formal communication from international authorities. The information ministry emphasized Freetown’s commitment to avoiding association with organized crime. Leijdekkers’ lawyer and Bio’s daughter have yet to comment.
Source: VOA