The disappearance of Dutch film producer and entrepreneur Rodney Leysner in Suriname has led to written questions in the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives). MP Don Ceder of the ChristenUnie wants to know from the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs what diplomatic and consular steps have been taken to obtain clarity about Leysner’s fate. He also asks whether the Netherlands is prepared to provide additional support to the Surinamese criminal investigation.
Leysner has been missing since 15 August 2026. His disappearance led to an extensive police investigation in Suriname, in which several suspects came under scrutiny. Despite various search operations, there is still no definitive clarity about what happened to him.
The nine written parliamentary questions now also bring the missing-person case to the political level in the Netherlands. Among other things, Ceder wants to know whether the Dutch government has urged the Surinamese authorities to make every effort to find Leysner and clarify the circumstances of his disappearance.
Questions about diplomatic pressure on Suriname
One of the main issues raised by Ceder concerns contacts between the Netherlands and Suriname since the disappearance.
The MP asks what discussions the Dutch government has held with the Surinamese government, the police and the Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service). In doing so, he specifically wants to know whether the Netherlands has pressed for an intensive investigation at political or diplomatic level.
The minister must also clarify at what times the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained contact with Leysner’s family and other directly involved parties.
The questions therefore focus not only on the progress of the Surinamese investigation, but also on the responsibility of the Dutch government towards a missing citizen.
Netherlands may be involved in additional search efforts
Ceder further asks whether the Dutch government has offered concrete support for the investigation. He mentions specialist search teams, forensic expertise, information exchange and other forms of operational assistance.
If such support has not been offered, the MP wants to know why this has not happened.
He also asks whether the minister is willing to discuss additional assistance with the Surinamese authorities, should there be a need for it and should the competent authorities request it.
International cooperation also receives attention. Ceder wants to know what possibilities exist to support the investigation through mutual legal assistance requests, international search channels and cooperation with other countries.
Fugitive suspect and Interpol
The Dutch parliamentarian also draws attention to reports about a suspect wanted in connection with the disappearance. He wants to know how the international search is being carried out and what role Interpol may play in it.
In Suriname, three suspects were previously arrested in connection with Leysner’s disappearance. A fourth suspect was also designated as a fugitive.
Key News reported on 26 August that police disclosed further details about the investigation and the fugitive suspect during a press conference.
Read also: New details in the Rodney Leysner case: T.R. was questioned earlier.
Earlier search with Dutch search dogs
The search for Leysner had previously already received support from the Netherlands. At the end of August, a specialised team with search-and-rescue dogs arrived in Suriname to assist in searching for possible clues.
The search operations were carried out under the leadership of the Surinamese police, including in the district of Saramacca. Leysner’s burned-out and crushed vehicle had previously been found there.
New clues were reported during the search operations in September, but they did not yet provide definitive clarity about his whereabouts.
Read also: New clues in the Rodney Leysner case after intensive search operation in Saramacca.
The parliamentary questions should clarify what role the Dutch government itself has played so far and what additional opportunities for cooperation remain available.
Support for family also under discussion
In addition to the criminal investigation, Ceder draws attention to the position of Leysner’s family.
He wants to know what support the Netherlands can provide in addition to regular consular assistance. This includes assistance in obtaining information about the investigation and maintaining contact with the Surinamese authorities.
The MP also asks the minister whether he is willing to actively inform the family about the available options and examine whether additional support is necessary.
He further seeks clarity about the coordinating role of the Dutch embassy in Paramaribo.
Responses from Dutch minister awaited
With the written questions, the Dutch government is being asked to account for its involvement in the missing-person case.
The answers should clarify, among other things, whether the Netherlands is considering additional diplomatic steps and what possibilities exist to further support the Surinamese investigation.
So far, the document does not show that the Dutch government has announced new measures. The response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs should provide more clarity on this.
