Authorities in Suriname have confirmed that three suspects arrested in connection with the disappearance of Rudisa Chief Commercial Officer Rodney Leysner will remain in pre-trial custody. On Tuesday, a judge-commissioner validated the legality of their continued detention, marking the latest development in an ongoing high-profile investigation that has captured public attention.
During a press conference held Tuesday, Eshita Hunte, commissioner heading the country’s Department for Combating Serious Crime (BZC), announced that law enforcement is currently preparing an official nationwide manhunt for Ryan Torilal, who has recently been formally classified as a suspect and remains at large. Hunte emphasized that the investigation is still in a critical, sensitive phase, and authorities are taking strict precautions to prevent premature leaks of information that could compromise the probe or the search for the fugitive. The press conference also marked the first public appearance of Suriname’s police leadership in the service’s new official uniform.
Addressing the change in Torilal’s case status, Hunte explained that the individual was initially questioned only as a witness, with the classification upgrade to suspect coming as the investigation uncovered new evidence. “This adjustment is entirely based on the facts, circumstances, and the latest progress of the investigation,” Hunte stated, noting that formal suspect status is only granted after all required procedural steps are completed and sufficient evidence has been gathered.
She added that the nationwide manhunt for Torilal is still moving through required official protocols, including mandatory consultations with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, internal documentation, and preliminary internal search arrangements. “The general manhunt is in development,” Hunte said. “It is only a matter of time before it is officially launched.”
Hunte also pushed back against persistent unconfirmed rumors circulating on social media in recent days, stressing that investigators have not yet recovered Leysner’s body. What authorities have located is Leysner’s burned-out vehicle, which was recovered earlier in the investigation. Law enforcement continues to keep most details of the case confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation. “If there was any tangible progress toward solving this case, we would be eager to share that update with the public,” Hunte said, adding that police are equally invested in reaching a swift resolution to the case.
When asked about the potential for international assistance in the investigation, Suriname’s police leadership confirmed that the Suriname Police Corps has not formally requested support from foreign law enforcement agencies to date. However, Hunte noted that Leysner’s family has launched independent initiatives to secure international help, and has maintained regular contact with local police to explore where official support for these efforts can be provided.