A new BBC *Business Daily* podcast series has put Sierra Leone back in the international spotlight over the presence of Jos Leijdekkers, a Dutch fugitive and one of Europe’s most-wanted cocaine traffickers.
The first of two episodes, titled “Sierra Leone: the cocaine trail” and released on 27 July 2026, investigates how Leijdekkers (also known as Bolle Jos or “Fat Jos”) allegedly settled in the country and explores reports linking him to the family of President Julius Maada Bio. These include claims that he is married to or in a relationship with the President’s daughter, Agnes Bio.
Sierra Leonean authorities have consistently denied both the man’s high-level protection and any family connection.
Leijdekkers was sentenced in absentia in the Netherlands in 2024 to 24 years in prison for trafficking more than seven tonnes of cocaine, along with other serious crimes. He faces additional long sentences from Belgian courts. Dutch authorities and Europol list him among their top fugitives and have offered a substantial reward for information leading to his arrest.
International media first widely reported his presence in Sierra Leone in January 2025 after videos from a New Year’s Day church service in the President’s hometown appeared to show him seated near President Bio and next to a woman identified by some sources as Agnes Bio. Further reports placed him at social events and claimed a personal relationship with the President’s daughter.
The First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has firmly rejected these allegations. In a BBC interview she stated she has “no idea who he is,” adding that she is “not a criminal” and dismissing the claims as lies. The government has said the President attends many public events and does not know the individual in question.
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information has previously stated that the police are ready to cooperate with Dutch authorities, Interpol and other international partners. No formal extradition has taken place. The Netherlands does not have an extradition treaty with Sierra Leone.
The case has also drawn attention to Sierra Leone’s role in the regional cocaine trade. In May 2026, Spanish authorities seized more than 30 tonnes of cocaine from a ship that had left Freetown. Spanish officials have alleged Leijdekkers organised the shipment. The seizure is one of the largest ever recorded and has intensified diplomatic pressure from the Netherlands, which is seeking support from neighbouring West African countries.
The first episode of the two parts series titled ‘Sierra Leone: the cocaine trail’ can be accessed here: https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/w3ct8gg3
A second part is expected soon.
