Dutch Authorities Offer Record Reward in Hunt for Drug Trafficker Jos Leijdekkers

The Dutch authorities have announced a significant reward of 2 million euros ($2.2 million) for information leading to the capture of Jos Leijdekkers, a prominent drug trafficker in Europe who is believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone.

Known as “Bolle Jos” or “Chubby Jos,” Leijdekkers is a high priority for Dutch prosecutors and law enforcement. This reward represents a tenfold increase from their previous offer, highlighting the urgency of his arrest.

Leijdekkers has been a central figure in the international cocaine trade. Convicted in absentia, a Rotterdam court sentenced him in 2024 to 24 years for various crimes, including smuggling about 7,000 kilos of cocaine, armed robbery, and orchestrating a “liquidation.” In Belgium, he faces a 79-year sentence.

Authorities have tracked the 35-year-old to Sierra Leone. They assure any information provided will stay confidential.

Links to Sierra Leone

In January 2025, the Dutch confirmed Leijdekkers was in Sierra Leone. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin stressed returning him to the Netherlands is a top priority. Reports indicate speculative ties to Sierra Leone’s political elite, possibly even President Julius Maada Bio.

Photos on social media, especially one from First Lady Fatima Bio, suggest Leijdekkers might have been at a religious service with the President. It fuels rumors of his connections among Sierra Leone’s influential circles, including the President’s daughter.

Leijdekkers is also linked to the 2019 disappearance and likely death of Naima Jillal in Amsterdam. Europol intercepted communications indicating his involvement in Jillal’s case. Despite initially losing track of Jillal, investigators found images of who they believe to be her on a phone seized during the Marengo investigation. These photos suggest she was tortured and may no longer be alive.