EU suspends €18 million aid to Sierra Leone over Bolle Jos
The European Union (EU) has suspended €18 million ($20 million) in financial aid to Sierra Leone over the country’s continued refusal to arrest and extradite wanted Dutch drug kingpin, Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos.
According to Reuters in a report published on October 1, 2026, the funds, which were due to be paid to Sierra Leone in 2026, are being withheld as pressure mounts on the country to hand over Bolle Jos to Dutch authorities.
How wanted Dutch drug lord 'Bolle Jos' lived in Sierra Leone with Ghanaian bodyguards
Bolle Jos has reportedly been living in Sierra Leone since 2023 under high-level protection, making it difficult for authorities to arrest him.
Dutch authorities are said to have requested his extradition, but Sierra Leone rejected the request and refused to cooperate with the Netherlands on the case, Reuters reported.
Bolle Jos is one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives and has been convicted in several countries.
He was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison in the Netherlands and has also been sentenced to a total of about 100 years in Belgium in various cases.
Additionally, the Dutch Justice Minister, David van Weel, warned that another €22.5 million in financial support promised to Sierra Leone for 2027 could also be suspended if the country continues to refuse to cooperate.
Bolle Jos is also wanted in Ghana over his alleged links to an international drug trafficking network.
His name came up after French customs officers intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana at the port of Dunkirk.
The cocaine shipment had an estimated street value of about $260 million (€225 million).
The 4 Ghanaians allegedly linked to fugitive Bolle Jos’ cocaine network
Following the interception, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) arrested several suspects in September 2026 over their alleged links to Bolle Jos’ international drug trafficking network.
The suspects, including Desmond Koranteng Curiel and others, have since been arraigned before the Accra High Court on charges related to the illegal export of narcotic drugs.
MAG/VPO
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