The information ministry of Sierra Leone announced on Sunday that it is investigating reports indicating that Jos Leijdekkers, a prominent European drug trafficker, is in the country and allegedly receiving protection at high levels.
According to Reuters sources, Leijdekkers, who was sentenced to 24 years in prison by a Dutch court for smuggling cocaine, has been residing in Sierra Leone since early 2023.
Responding to inquiries from Reuters, a spokesperson for the Dutch prosecutors revealed that Leijdekkers has been living in Sierra Leone for at least six months. He is currently listed as one of Europol's most wanted fugitives.
The Sierra Leonean ministry stated its willingness for the country's police to cooperate with Dutch authorities, Interpol, and other international law enforcement agencies regarding this matter.
While the country's president reportedly attended various family events during the holidays, the ministry emphasized his lack of knowledge about Leijdekkers' identity and the reported issues.
Footage and photos authenticated by Reuters from a church service on Jan. 1, 2025, in Sierra Leone show Leijdekkers, 33, sitting near President Julius Maada Bio.
Leijdekkers was seated beside a woman identified by sources as Bio's daughter Agnes, allegedly married to him, although the relationship could not be confirmed by Reuters.
Neither Bio's daughter nor Leijdekkers' former Dutch lawyer responded immediately to requests for comments.
Multiple sources informed Reuters that Leijdekkers is enjoying protection at high levels in Sierra Leone, a country that international law enforcement officials identify as a key transit point for large amounts of South American cocaine destined for Europe.
The Sierra Leonean information ministry clarified that the government has not officially received any communications regarding Leijdekkers from other countries or institutions and remains committed to preventing the country from becoming a safe haven for organized crime.