Convictions in High-Profile Murder of Swedish Hip-Hop Artist C Gambino

A Gothenburg court has sentenced three young men for aiding in the murder of hip-hop artist C Gambino, who was fatally shot in June 2024. The case highlights ongoing issues with gang-related violence in Sweden, despite the lack of evidence connecting the artist to criminal networks.

Three men in their twenties have been sentenced to significant prison terms following their involvement in the murder of renowned hip-hop artist C Gambino, born Karar Ramadan, in Gothenburg last year. The shooting, occurring in a car park in June 2024, shocked the nation and drew considerable media attention, particularly as C Gambino had recently won the title of hip-hop artist of the year at Sweden's Grammis music awards.

The Gothenburg court determined that all three men were guilty of aiding and abetting murder, although only one was convicted of the murder itself. The court clarified that it could not confirm beyond a reasonable doubt who fired the fatal shots. Thus far, the weapon used in the crime has not been located, and a vehicle associated with the shooters was discovered later, burnt out.

Investigations have suggested a connection between C Gambino’s murder and local gang conflicts, yet the exact reasons behind the attack remain unclear. Prosecutors have indicated that there is no substantial evidence to indicate the artist was part of any criminal organization.

In recent years, Sweden’s largest cities have grappled with escalating gang violence that has resulted in numerous fatalities, often involving minors hired to engage in these violent acts. C Gambino, aged 26 at the time of his death, was shot in a deliberate and planned assault, which the court described as reminiscent of an execution.

Despite investigative efforts, including DNA testing that yielded no conclusive results, police managed to reconstruct events surrounding the shooting using mobile phone data and extensive CCTV footage. Records show that the suspects’ vehicle was present in the car park days before the attack, where it waited hours until C Gambino arrived from the gym that evening.

While emergency services were alerted, they faced operational challenges at the scene and were unable to communicate effectively due to system failures upon arrival. Tragically, C Gambino succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter while in the hospital.

In the court’s verdict, a 22-year-old was handed a life sentence for his role in the murder, while two others were sentenced to 15 and a half years and 12 and a half years, respectively. In a related case, authorities convicted a 19-year-old for setting the suspects' vehicle ablaze. Furthermore, a 14-year-old boy was found guilty of executing a murder ordered by a notorious gang, marking a troubling trend of youth involvement in gang-related violence in the country.

Amid these developments, police have arrested a key figure associated with the Foxtrot gang, furthering ongoing investigations into gang-related crimes in Sweden and highlighting the escalating nature of this disturbing trend.