Dutch fugitive Leijdekkers allegedly funnels billions in drug money into Sierra Leone

The alleged money and presence of notorious Dutch drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos, 35, has permeated the economy of Sierra Leone, where he is said to be hiding. According to RTL, Jos has allegedly turned the country into a hub of the international cocaine trade, with billions in drug money following through the local economy each year.

In February last year, the Netherlands filed a formal extradition request to the Netherlands. Earlier, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) offered a record reward of 200,000 euros for a tip leading to the arrest of the notorious criminal, who has been convicted in both Belgium and the Netherlands. He is also on the list of Europe’s most-wanted.

The Breda-born man has been said to have a deplomatic passport to Sierra Leone in exchange for years of investing into the local economy. He is also said to be close to the local political elites. “He began a relationship with Agnes Bio, the president's daughter, with whom he now has a child. According to eyewitnesses, the Dutchman threw money around and invested in mines and real estate, among other things,” said RTL correspondent Sophie van Leeuwen. The rumors of his relationship with Agnes Bio and other important individuals from Sierra Leone have long circulated online.

This week, Justice Minister David van Weel (VVD) said that the EU is cutting part of its financial aid to Sierra Leone. This is because the country is not cooperating on the extradition.