Drug Kingpin Jos Leijdekkers finds refuge in Sierra Leone after marrying President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter

|Published 8:20 PM ET, Sunday January 26, 2025|

One of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, convicted cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers, has found refuge in Sierra Leone, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter as well as photos and video footage seen by Reuters.

Reports indicate that Jos Leijdekkers has been residing in Sierra Leone for at least six months. Leijdekkers was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Dutch court for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. He is listed among Europol’s most wanted fugitives.

Visual evidence from a church service on January 1, 2025, in Tihun, Sierra Leone, shows Leijdekkers seated near President Julius Maada Bio. Unverified reports suggest that Leijdekkers may be married to the president’s daughter, Agnes Bio, potentially affording him high-level protection within the country.

President Julius Maada Bio

The Sierra Leonean government has stated that it is investigating these reports and has expressed its commitment to not becoming a safe haven for organized crime. The authorities have indicated their willingness to cooperate with Dutch officials and international law enforcement agencies in this matter.

This situation underscores the complexities involved in international law enforcement, particularly when fugitives establish connections within foreign political landscapes. The evolving dynamics of global crime necessitate robust international cooperation and adaptable legal frameworks to effectively address such challenges.