Swedish Court Jails Four Men Over Killing of Hip-Hop Star C. Gambino
A Swedish court has sentenced four young men to prison for their roles in the killing of popular hip-hop artist C. Gambino, marking another tragic chapter in Sweden’s growing wave of gang-related violence.
The rapper, whose real name was Karar Ramadan, was gunned down on June 4, 2024, in a parking garage in Gothenburg. His death shocked fans across the country, coming just weeks after he was honored as Sweden’s Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at the 2024 Grammis awards.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the court handed down sentences ranging from life imprisonment to 10 months in jail, depending on each defendant’s role in the crime.
A 22-year-old man received a life sentence for his involvement in aiding and abetting the murder. Prosecutors said he supplied the getaway car used by the shooters, which was later set on fire to destroy evidence.
A 20-year-old was sentenced to 15 years and six months for aiding the murder and aggravated harboring, while a 21-year-old received 12 years and six months for aiding and abetting the crime. The youngest of the group, a 19-year-old, was sentenced to 10 months for helping the suspects evade arrest and committing vandalism.
Although the court could not establish exactly who pulled the trigger, it ruled that the crime was an execution-style killing tied to gang conflicts. The judge noted that the use of firearms in a public space made the crime particularly severe.
The murder of C. Gambino is part of a broader pattern of violence involving Sweden’s rap scene and organized crime. In recent years, several young artists have fallen victim to gang-related attacks, including rapper Einar, who was killed in 2021.
Authorities say the lines between the entertainment industry and gang rivalries are becoming increasingly blurred, with deadly consequences.
The verdict has reignited debates about gang culture, youth crime, and public safety in Sweden, as the nation struggles to contain the rise of violence spilling into everyday life.
