by Admin
Feb 7, 2025
The Netherlands has formally requested the extradition of convicted cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers from Sierra Leone, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel announced on Thursday. The minister expressed hope that Sierra Leonean authorities would support the effort to combat international organized crime.
Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, is believed to have taken refuge in Sierra Leone, where he reportedly enjoys high-level protection. However, Sierra Leonean officials have stated that they are investigating these claims and have pledged to cooperate if a formal extradition request is received, despite the absence of an extradition treaty between the two nations.
“I hope for swift action from the authorities of Sierra Leone and to find them on our side in this fight against international organized crime,” van Weel wrote in a post on X.
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information confirmed that the country’s police are prepared to collaborate with the Dutch government, Interpol, and other international law enforcement agencies regarding the case.
Meanwhile, Leijdekkers’ former lawyer in the Netherlands, Guy Weski, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the extradition request.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, stated on Tuesday that the individual described by media outlets, including Reuters, as Leijdekkers is known locally as “Umar Sheriff.” Sellu said authorities had conducted multiple raids to apprehend Sheriff but had yet to locate him. He did not clarify whether Leijdekkers and Sheriff are indeed the same person.
The case has drawn international attention, raising questions about fugitive networks and the challenges of law enforcement cooperation across borders.