A shocking exposé by New Line Magazine has unveiled the extensive web of corruption surrounding Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious Dutch drug kingpin. The report alleges that Leijdekkers, considered one of Europe’s most wanted criminals, wielded significant influence over top government officials by lavishing them with extravagant gifts, including high-end automobiles.
According to sources familiar with Leijdekkers’ illicit operations, he strategically used these luxury vehicles to gain control over key figures in the government and law enforcement. “He had everyone in his pocket, throwing around a lot of money,” a source revealed, emphasising his influence. Reports indicate that Leijdekkers gifted several luxury SUVs to Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which included a Toyota Fortuner, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and a Toyota Land Cruiser LC300.
Furthermore, the investigation disclosed that Leijdekkers financed the purchase of three homes in Pennsylvania and Delaware for former Chief Immigration Officer Alusine Kanneh, totalling an astonishing $1.9 million.
A leaked video from Kanneh’s 50th birthday celebration showed him receiving a lavish golden Rolex watch from an associate known as “Omar Sheriff,” with Kaikai also present at the event, further linking them to Leijdekkers’ operations.
When questioned about the ownership of the luxury SUVs, Kaikai claimed they were gifts from “a Lebanese friend,” a vague assertion that has raised eyebrows and scepticism among observers. The report suggests that the elite in Freetown have effectively leveraged Leijdekkers’ wealth for their benefit, positioning him as a crucial asset within their circle.
Leijdekkers, who has been convicted for his significant role in international cocaine trafficking, was sentenced to 24 years in prison by the Rotterdam District Court in 2024. Additionally, he is facing sentences from Belgian courts in connection with other drug-related offences. Despite his criminal record, the loyalty of his network in Sierra Leone appears unwavering, driven by mutual interests and the allure of financial gain.
