The Dutch government has increased the reward for information leading to the capture of Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe's most wanted drug traffickers, to 2 million euros.
In the statement made by the Dutch Prosecutor's Office on Monday, November 2, it was stated that the capture of Leijdekkers, known by the nickname "Bolle Jos" (Chubby Jos) and considered one of the important actors of the international cocaine trade, is the highest priority for the security forces.
While it was reported that the reward, which was previously determined as 200 thousand Euros, was increased 10 times, it was announced that the identities of those who shared information that would enable the suspect to be caught would be kept secret.
Dutch authorities assess that 35-year-old Leijdekkers is in the West African country of Sierra Leone.
Jos Leijdekkers is among the most wanted names in organized crime and drug trafficking investigations carried out across Europe.
The Rotterdam Court sentenced Leijdekkers in absentia to 24 years in prison for being involved in the shipment of approximately 7 thousand kilograms of cocaine in 2024, armed robbery and ordering a murder.
Leijdekkers was sentenced to 79 years in prison in a separate case in Belgium.
Dutch authorities estimate that the escaped convict earned tens of millions of Euros from the international drug trade.
Allegations that Leijdekkers was in Sierra Leone attracted attention after photographs and videos allegedly showing him with the country's senior political figures emerged.
In the images shared on social media by Fatima Bio, wife of Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, a person resembling Leijdekkers was seen taking part in the religious ceremony attended by the President.
The images in question led to allegations that the fugitive drug trafficker may have relations with the country's political circles.
It was also claimed that Leijdekkers had a close relationship with President Bio's daughter.
However, photographs and videos alone do not confirm the political protection claims made against him.
Dutch authorities announced that they had been aware of Leijdekkers' presence in Sierra Leone since mid-2024.
The prosecutor's office stated that international cooperation continues to capture the escaped convict.
It was stated that rewards may be given to those who report Leijdekkers' location or travel plans and lead to his capture.
Authorities announced that the identities of the people who reported and the information they shared will not be shared with third parties, including Sierra Leone authorities.
Leijdekkers' name is also mentioned in the investigation into the fate of Naima Jillal, who disappeared in Amsterdam in 2019.
According to Europol, Jillal disappeared after getting into a vehicle in Amsterdam.
It was stated that in the encrypted messages seized within the scope of the investigation, findings were reached that Leijdekkers played an important role in Jillal's disappearance.
Photos believed to belong to Jillal were found on a phone seized during the Marengo investigation.
Based on the images, Europol evaluates that Jillal may have been tortured and lost his life.
However, allegations regarding Jillal's death and Leijdekkers' role in the incident are being evaluated within the scope of a separate investigation.
