One of Europe’s most-wanted drug traffickers living in Sierra Leone, say Dutch prosecutors

Jos Leijdekkers, seen here in 2011, was sentenced in absentia by a Rotterdam court for six drug transports, an armed robbery in Finland and ordering murder. Photograph: Netherlands Politie

One of Europe’s most wanted men, the Dutch crime boss Jos Leijdekkers, is hiding out in Sierra Leone, Dutch prosecutors have said.

The statement came after Dutch media published footage that appeared to show the violent drug trafficker at a New Year’s Day church service seated close to Sierra Leone’s presidential family. Sierra Leone’s information office said it was investigating reports that he was benefiting from high-level protection.