The Dutch government has officially requested the extradition of Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious fugitive also known as Bolle Jos, from Sierra Leone.
In a statement, the Dutch Justice Minister confirmed that the government is swiftly preparing extradition documents and emphasized that “authorities are willing” to expedite the process.
This move underscores the Netherlands’ determination to bring Leijdekkers back to face justice as discussions with Sierra Leone continue. Further details on the extradition timeline and cooperation between the two nations are expected in the coming days.
Leijdekkers, 33, has been one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives and is believed to have been residing in Sierra Leone for about six months. He was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court in June last year for smuggling seven tonnes of cocaine, armed robbery in Finland, and ordering murder.
In September, a Belgian court also sentenced him to 10 years for drug trafficking and assault. Dutch police suspect his involvement in the disappearance and presumed murder of Naima Jilal in Amsterdam in 2019.
Recent reports indicate that Leijdekkers has been seen in the company of Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, in videos and images circulating on social media. The Sierra Leonean government has stated that they were unaware of Leijdekkers’ presence in the country but have pledged to investigate the matter.
The Netherlands and Sierra Leone do not have an extradition treaty, making the process more complex. However, both nations are engaging in discussions to facilitate Leijdekkers’ return to the Netherlands to face his charges.
The Dutch police have offered a €200,000 reward for information leading to Leijdekkers’ arrest. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as they intensify efforts to apprehend him.
