Three Sentenced in Gang-Related Murder of Swedish Hip-Hop Star C Gambino

In a troubling case that underscores the escalating gang violence in Sweden, three men have been sentenced for their roles in the 2024 murder of renowned hip-hop artist C Gambino, highlighting deep-rooted issues of crime and safety in major cities.

 

Three men in their twenties have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in the fatal shooting of C Gambino, a celebrated Swedish hip-hop artist, in Gothenburg last year. Prosecutors condemned the shooting as a "ruthless and premeditated" act that tragically cut short the life of the promising musician, whose real name was Karar Ramadan. Just a month before his death, C Gambino had been awarded the title of hip-hop artist of the year at Sweden’s esteemed Grammis music awards.

The Gothenburg court found all three men guilty of aiding and abetting murder, although it could not definitively prove which of them delivered the fatal shots, resulting in two being cleared of murder charges. The gun used in the attack remains unidentified, with authorities recovering a burned vehicle that reportedly played a role in the incident.

C Gambino's murder is thought to be tied to ongoing gangland conflicts in the area, although it remains unclear if he had any connections to organized crime. Since 2022, Sweden has witnessed a surge in gang activity, with violent incidents frequently involving juveniles utilized by gangs to perpetuate their agendas.

The 26-year-old artist was shot in a multi-story car park in Gothenburg during a calculated attack described by the court as akin to an "execution." Investigative efforts yielded no DNA evidence; however, police traced the movements of the suspects through mobile data and extensive CCTV recordings. Footage showed the suspects' car entering the parking facility over a week before the shooting, indicating prior planning.

Emergency responders faced communication issues upon arrival at the scene, complicating their immediate response. C Gambino was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

In the court's verdict, a 22-year-old man received a life sentence, while the other two received sentences of 15.5 and 12.5 years, respectively. Additionally, a 19-year-old accomplice was found guilty of arson for setting fire to the vehicle used in the shooting.

In another related case, a 14-year-old boy was found guilty of murdering a man on behalf of the notorious Foxtrot gang; however, due to his age, he will not face any punishment under Swedish law. A key figure connected to the Foxtrot gang was also apprehended in Iraqi Kurdistan, shedding light on the expansive networks operating within and outside Sweden's borders.