A Belgian judge sentenced Jos Leijdekkers, known as Bolle Jos, to 14 years in prison [1] during a hearing in Antwerp.

The conviction represents a significant legal development in the pursuit of Leijdekkers, though his absence from the proceedings complicates the immediate enforcement of the sentence.

Leijdekkers was not present at the court in Antwerp when the verdict was announced on Thursday, July 26, 2026 [1]. The court proceeded with the trial in absentia, a legal mechanism that allows a judge to render a verdict when the defendant is not present.

According to reporting from Dutch News, the sentencing follows allegations of criminal activity [1]. While the specific nature of the crimes was not detailed in the court's announcement, the 14-year term [1] underscores the severity of the charges brought against him by Belgian authorities.

"Jos Leijdekkers (Bolle Jos) was not present at the court in Antwerp when the verdict was announced on Thursday," Dutch News said [1].

The Belgian judicial system typically uses in absentia convictions to establish a legal basis for international arrest warrants. This ensures that if the individual is apprehended, or enters a participating jurisdiction, the sentence can be executed or a retrial can be initiated based on the existing conviction.

Authorities have not yet commented on whether they are actively pursuing an extradition request or if Leijdekkers is currently hiding in a third-party country. The case continues to draw attention due to the length of the prison term and the profile of the accused.

“Jos Leijdekkers (Bolle Jos) was convicted in absentia by a Belgian judge.”

An in absentia conviction allows the Belgian government to formalize criminal charges and a specific penalty, which simplifies the process of issuing Interpol Red Notices or requesting extradition from other nations. By securing a 14-year sentence, the court has established a legal precedent that makes Leijdekkers a high-priority target for law enforcement across European borders.