Freetown, Sierra Leone – Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted drug traffickers—also known by the alias Umar Sheriff—is allegedly the new owner of a luxury property formerly owned by the late Sierra Leonean business tycoon, Moseray Fadika, in the coastal town of Kent in the Western Rural District.
Sources close to the property have raised concerns over how such a high-profile international fugitive could have acquired such a strategic estate—reportedly complete with advanced amenities and direct sea access, making it an ideal location for discreet maritime activities.
Leijdekkers, who is wanted in Europe for large-scale drug trafficking operations, is said to have been residing in Sierra Leone for several years under the radar. Allegations also suggest he has developed strong connections with high-ranking officials within the Sierra Leonean government, which may have aided in his continued evasion of international law enforcement.
Sierra Leone has increasingly been spotlighted as a transit hub for narcotics trafficking and illicit financial flows, a development that continues to tarnish the country’s international image. Critics have accused the government of turning a blind eye to mounting evidence of transnational crime and failing to enforce existing anti-drug laws.
The Sierra Leone Police, have yet to take any concrete action against Umar Sheriff. Meanwhile, the national Drug Enforcement Agency has also come under scrutiny, with reports alleging its officials maintain close ties with Leijdekkers.
“If a man wanted by the European Union is freely purchasing property in Sierra Leone, it raises serious questions about the extent of his influence and protection in the country,” a concerned source told The Watch.
Attempts to reach the family of the late Moseray Fadika for comment were unsuccessful as all known contact numbers were unreachable at press time. However, this medium will publish the family’s side of the story should a response be received.
Efforts to get a direct comment from Leijdekkers or his representatives were also unsuccessful.
