Dutch authorities have offered a record twom-euro reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of Jos Leifekkers, one of the most wanted persons in Europe.

35-year-old, also known with the nickname “Bolle Josh” (Josie sound) was previously named by Dutch police as one of the main figures in international cocaine trafficking.

Commenting on the decision on the tenfold increase in rewards, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel said it was necessary in view of the threat that Leidekkers poses to national security, democratic rule of law and international rule of law.

Dutch prosecutors have named his capture the highest priority, while ensuring that any information given by citizens will be kept secret.

Leijdkers figures on Europol’s list of most wanted persons, the European Union’s agency for police co-operation, broadcast Telegrafi.

In January 2025, Dutch police announced that he was believed to live in Sierra Leone, where he used the name Omar Sherrif.

More recently published photos allegedly presented by Leifekkers in the company of Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio and other local officials.

Dutch prosecutors have requested his extradition, but Sierra Leone has refused to co-operate. This has prompted the European Union to terminate part of its financial assistance to the state.

West Africa is considered an important transit point for cocaine trafficking from Latin America towards other markets.

In 2024, a court in Rotterdam sentenced Leijdakkers in a 24 – year absence, for convicting him of smuggling more than seven tons of cocaine.

Several other police investigations are under way in the Netherlands.

Leijdkers has also been sentenced to 79 years in prison in Belgium. Dutch authorities estimate it has benefited tens of millions of euros from cocaine trafficking, while also accusing it of money laundering and involvement in the use of extreme violence. /Telegraphy/