In Sierra Leone, the president's associates are implicated in transnational organized crime


On March 6, Dutch Minister of Justice David van Weel announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he had a conversation with his colleague, Alpha Sesay, Sierra Leone's Attorney General and Minister of Justice.



A significant topic of discussion was the Dutch extradition request for Jos Leijdekkers, who is wanted for serious crimes.


Van Weel noted strong indications that Leijdekkers is currently in Sierra Leone.


He emphasized that discussions like these are vital for combating transnational organized crime.

Thomas Dixon, a Sierra Leonean journalist, reported that Maada Bio has relieved Alusine Kanneh of his position as head of the immigration service after a video surfaced showing Kanneh partying with Leijdekkers, who is known as Omar Sherriff in Sierra Leone.


A bulletin from Emmanuel Gaima, secretary to the president in Sierra Leone, announced that Moses Tiffa Baio has been appointed as the new Chief Immigration Officer, effective March 7.

An article on FTM published on March 7 states that Leijdekkers' connections to Sierra Leone's politicians are so strong that European police feel powerless to bring him back to Europe.


One FTM video shows Leijdekkers passing a wrapped gift to Alusine Kanneh, the recently ousted head of the immigration service.


The video also features Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, the head of Sierra Leone's anti-drugs agency.


In January, FTM reported that Leijdekkers was seen sitting next to Maada Bio's daughter, Agnes, who is reportedly married to the Dutch fugitive.


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