When a Dutch Drug Kingpin Needed a New Base, Sierra Leone Welcomed Him With Open Arms

Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted men, quietly insinuated himself into the lives and businesses of the country’s elite

European Magazine New Lines has detailed how Europe's Most Wanted Drug Lord Jos Leijdekkers corrupted the corridors of power to engage in his cocaine business in Sierra Leone.

Leijdekkers is reportedly enjoying high-level protection in Sierra Leone.

Leijdekkers is alleged to have potentially financed luxury goods and vehicles for senior government officials, hinting at a web of financial influence and quid pro quo arrangements. West Africa, including Sierra Leone, is identified as a major transit point for cocaine smuggled from Latin America to Europe.

Illustration by Joanna Andreasson for New Lines Magazine. (Photo credit: Erik Cleves Kristensen Creative commons)

The alleged high-level protection has allowed Leijdekkers to evade European authorities, despite being sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison for smuggling over 7 tons of cocaine. Evidence of these ties surfaced in January 2025 with photos and video footage appearing to show Leijdekkers at a religious service alongside Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio. Sources suggest Leijdekkers may be married to the president's daughter, further strengthening his position within the country's power structure.

“READ the article in detail, allegations about how convicted Dutch drug lord Jos Leijdekkers seemingly leveraged corruption within Sierra Leone to facilitate his cocaine trafficking operations.”

— Source: New Lines Magazine | July 28, 2025

Read the article in full.

When a Dutch Drug Kingpin Needed a New Base, Sierra Leone Welcomed Him With Open Arms

Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted men, quietly insinuated himself into the lives and businesses of the country’s elite.

READ Article: New Lines Magazine

Authorities Seek 'Africa-hiding' Drug Lord Jos Leijdekkers' US$250m Wealth

Dutch prosecutors say they are seeking to confiscate a record 221 million euros ($253 million) from one of Europe's most notorious drug barons, thought to be hiding in an African nation.

“BREAKING NEWS: The Rotterdam court seized the illegal assets amassed by Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos” or “Chubby Jos,” from cocaine trafficking and gold purchases — but left out unproven claims about luxury goods.”

— Source: CRIME UPDATE: July 14, 2025

https://t.co/H8Xsf1jmkc

Drug baron “Bolle Jos” ordered to pay €96m to the Dutch state -

— Yame.space (@SpaceYame) July 15, 2025

Notorious drug lord known as "Chubby Jos" has had $112 million seized by the court as an international manhunt continues.

The notorious European drug lord. Jos Leijdekkers, also known as "Bolle Jos" or "Chubby Jos," is believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone.

Jos Leijdekkers, also known as "Bolle Jos" or "Chubby Jos," was seen with the daughter of Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio

The illegal assets were amassed through cocaine trafficking and gold purchases, although unproven claims regarding luxury goods were not included.

Leijdekkers did not attend the hearing and was unrepresented. The court confirmed that the case was heard in absentia.

With today's ruling, the court has determined the amount of money Leijdekkers earned from criminal activities. The total amounts to nearly 127 million euros, of which he must pay over 96 million euros to the State.

END UPDATE

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JUNE 2, 2025: Dutch prosecutors said Monday they were seeking to confiscate a record 221 million euros ($253 million) from one of Europe's most notorious drug barons, thought to be hiding in Sierra Leone.

'Africa-hiding' drug lord Jos Leijdekker; aka. Bolle Jos | Chubby Jos | Daniel Ernst | Umar Sheriff

The illegal assets amassed by Jos Leijdekkers, also known as "Bolle Jos" or "Chubby Jos", were proceeds from cocaine trafficking, as well as purchases of gold and luxury items, the public prosecutors said.

Leijdekkers is thought to have made 114 million euros from 14 cocaine shipments over less than a year.

According to intercepted communications, the 33-year-old also spent 47 million euros on 975 kilogrammes of gold over less than six months.

Real estate and luxury goods

The prosecutors alleged that the kingpin also bought real estate and apartments in Dubai.

Luxury goods, including two Bentley cars, designer bags, jewellery, and watches, were also added to the illicit assets total, bringing the total to 221 million euros.

Jos Leijdekkers (aka. Umar Sheriff), also known as ‘Bolle Jos’ or ‘Chubby Jos’, is believed to be hiding over 4000 miles away in Sierra Leone

"This is... only a first step towards tracing Leijdekkers' assets," the prosecutors said.

A Rotterdam court last June sentenced Leijdekkers in absentia to 24 years in prison for ordering a murder and organising cocaine shipments.

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Mar 7: Netherlands Most Wanted Cocaine Kingpin Hiding in Sierra Leone

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200,000-euro reward for information on his whereabouts

He is on Europol's most-wanted list, with the European police body offering a 200,000-euro reward for information leading to his arrest.

In January, Dutch authorities said they were "absolutely certain" he was hiding out in Sierra Leone.

Images showing Leijdekkers in the company of senior Sierra Leonean officials have sparked speculation that the cocaine lord has cosied up to the West African country's political class.