Swedish authorities have sentenced four men for their roles in the brutal murder of C.Gambino, the Grammy-winning rapper shot dead in 2024.
The court confirmed that the killing was carefully planned and linked to ongoing gang violence gripping the country.
C.Gambino, who had just been named Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the 2024 Swedish Grammis Awards, was shot in Gothenburg.
The murder shocked fans and the music industry, reigniting concerns about gang activity spreading across Sweden’s cities.
On Monday, a Swedish court handed down sentences ranging from 10 months to over 15 years. The heaviest sentence went to a 20-year-old man. The court found that he had helped plan the murder by supplying the getaway vehicle. After the killing, the car was set on fire to destroy evidence.
The court convicted him of aiding and abetting murder and aggravated harbouring of a criminal.
He received 15 years and six months in prison.
Another man, aged 21, was convicted of aiding and abetting the killing. He received a prison sentence of 12 years and six months.
A third man, 19 years old, got a 10-month term for protecting a criminal and committing vandalism.
The attack followed a disturbing trend in Sweden. Over the past few years, the country has seen a spike in gang-related shootings and bombings.
Public areas have increasingly become battlegrounds for violent groups competing over drugs, territory, and revenge.
C.Gambino’s murder echoed that of another popular Swedish rapper, Einar, who was shot and killed in Stockholm in 2021.
Einar’s death was also linked to gang violence, prompting calls for tougher crime policies.
Swedish officials have admitted that controlling gang activity has become a national emergency.
Shootings and bombings now occur almost weekly, leaving residents fearful and frustrated.
Many worry that youth involvement in gangs is growing.
Experts blame social exclusion, unemployment, and poor urban planning as key drivers.
The government has promised more resources for law enforcement and social services.
However, communities say action has been too slow.
With two major music stars now victims of deadly violence, pressure is mounting on Swedish leaders to act before more lives are lost.
