Known as "Bolle Jos," 35-year-old Jos Leijdekkers is accused of orchestrating large-scale cocaine trafficking, money laundering, and acts of extreme violence. Dutch authorities believe he is living under an alias in Sierra Leone, where he has reportedly appeared in images alongside government leaders. Due to the West African country's outright refusal to comply with extradition requests, the European Union has suspended portions of its foreign aid.
Key points
Capturing Jos Leijdekkers remains the highest stated operational priority for Dutch prose…: Capturing Jos Leijdekkers remains the highest stated operational priority for Dutch prosecutors and European law enforcement agencies.
International cocaine trafficking rings led by Leijdekkers have generated tens of million…: International cocaine trafficking rings led by Leijdekkers have generated tens of millions of euros through illicit global smuggling pipelines.
Non-compliance by foreign nations harboring global fugitives can result in severe financi…: Non-compliance by foreign nations harboring global fugitives can result in severe financial penalties and diplomatic friction with the European Union.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
Dutch authorities have offered a record award of €2m (£1.7m/$2.24m) for information leading to the arrest of Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe's most-wanted men.
The 35-year-old, who is also known as Bolle Jos (Chubby Jos), was previously accused of being "one of the key players in international cocaine trafficking" by Dutch police.
Commenting on the decision to increase the reward ten-fold, Dutch justice minister David van Weel said it was "necessary given the threat that Leijdekkers poses to national security, our democratic rule of law, and the international legal order".
Dutch prosecutors said capturing Leijdekkers was their "highest priority" and any information shared would be kept secret.
He is listed by Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, as among their most-wanted fugitives.
In January 2025, Dutch police said he was believed to be living in Sierra Leone and going by the name Omar Sherrif.
Images apparently showing Leijdekkers in the company of President Julius Maada Bio and other officials have previously emerged.
Dutch prosecutors have demanded his extradition but Sierra Leone has refused to cooperate, prompting the EU…
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