The search for missing person Rodney Leysner is entering a new phase. Ten specialised rescue dogs from the Netherlands are being deployed at several locations. The Surinamese police remain in charge and warn bystanders not to enter the search areas.
With the arrival of a Dutch team of fifteen staff members and ten rescue dogs, the search for Rodney Leysner is being further expanded. Police spokesperson Michel Elskamp says that virtually all preparations have been completed. The dogs will be deployed at various locations to search for clues that may provide more clarity about the disappearance of Leysner, who is 52 years old.
The Dutch team arrived in Suriname on Monday, 31 August. Upon arrival, the staff members and dogs were received and taken to their accommodation under police escort. The deployment came about after Rodney Leysner’s family itself requested specialised support.
Several specialised units of the Korps Politie Suriname (Suriname Police Force) are involved in the operation. In addition to the Kapitale Delicten department, Bestrijding Zware Criminaliteit, Forensische Opsporing and the Drone Unit are also cooperating. This is intended to carefully coordinate the search operation with the ongoing criminal investigation.
Search for Rodney Leysner under police direction
According to Elskamp, the KPS currently does not have the specific capacity and expertise to deploy rescue dogs for this type of search operation. The family therefore approached a Dutch foundation that works with specialised teams and dogs. Written permission was subsequently requested for the deployment in Suriname.
The Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service) granted permission, but attached clear conditions to it. The deployment of the foreign specialists must not disrupt the criminal investigation. The Surinamese police therefore remain responsible for directing the search efforts, while the OM oversees the conditions under which the team operates.
Dutch specialists following request by family
Consultations were held on Tuesday with commissioner Eshita Hunte, head of Bestrijding Zware Criminaliteit. The discussions addressed how the rescue dogs would be deployed and which operational arrangements apply. Representatives of Kapitale Delicten, Forensische Opsporing and the Drone Unit also attended the meeting.
According to the police, the foreign support does not mean that the investigation into Rodney Leysner is being taken over. The Dutch team provides specialised support within the framework established by police and judicial authorities. This distinction is important because possible findings or clues must be handled carefully and may form part of the criminal case file.
The foreign search teams provide support, but police and judicial authorities remain in charge.
Searching at several locations
The police have not disclosed which locations are being searched with the dogs. This is being done to protect the investigation and prevent curious members of the public from hampering the work. Citizens are urgently requested not to go to places where the search team is active.
The presence of bystanders can not only hinder the police investigation, but also affect the work of the dogs. Calm in the area is important in this type of search operation. The police therefore want to prevent search locations from being widely shared in advance or people going to possible investigation areas on their own initiative.
Burned-out car an important lead in Rodney Leysner case
Rodney Leysner has been missing since Saturday, 15 August 2026. A day later, his disappearance was officially reported to the police. The investigation took a serious turn after a burned-out and crushed vehicle was found and excavated in the district of Saramacca.
Technical investigation later showed that the vehicle’s chassis number matched the car Leysner was driving. Key News previously reported that this officially established that the recovered vehicle is directly linked to his disappearance. The Korps Politie Suriname also confirmed the identification of the vehicle. Despite that discovery, there is still no trace of Leysner himself.
Fourth suspect still at large
Three suspects have been arrested in the investigation. Ryan Kenneth Torilal is also being sought as a suspect and remains at large. The procureur generaal has ordered that he be traced, arrested and brought before the authorities. According to the official police wanted notice, he is suspected, among other things, of participation in a criminal organisation, murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault resulting in death and intentional deprivation of liberty.
The KPS warns that Torilal is armed and a flight risk. Persons with information about his whereabouts are requested to contact Kapitale Delicten on 403645 or 403252, the Command Center on 115, or the nearest police station. The police have not disclosed when the search operation with the rescue dogs will be concluded and remain reserved about the exact locations and possible investigative findings.
