Dutch authorities offer $2.2M reward for fugitive drug kingpin in Sierra Leone

Dutch authorities have announced a record reward of 2 million euros, equivalent to $2.2 million, for information leading to the arrest of Jos Leijdekkers, also known as "Chubby Jos," one of Europe's most-wanted drug traffickers, CBS News reported.

Leijdekkers is currently believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone, where Dutch prosecutors consider his capture a top priority. He was sentenced in absentia in 2024 to 24 years in prison for drug trafficking involving nearly 7,000 kilos of cocaine, armed robbery, and ordering a liquidation, according to CBS News.

There are reports that Leijdekkers may have connections with high-ranking officials in Sierra Leone, including images suggesting he was seen with President Julius Maada Bio and the president's daughter. These images have raised speculation about his ties to the country's political class.

Leijdekkers is also suspected of involvement in the disappearance and death of Naima Jillal, who went missing in Amsterdam in 2019. Europol indicated that intercepted messages link him to her disappearance and that photos found during investigations suggest she was likely tortured and is presumed dead.

Dutch authorities have assured that any information provided will be kept confidential as they continue efforts to apprehend Leijdekkers.