Haval Khalil, 23, one of Sweden’s best-known rappers, was detained following a Romanian police raid at a location in Bucharest. He is suspected in Sweden of conspiracy to murder and involvement in serious organized crime, including multiple shootings. Khalil was previously convicted of kidnapping rapper Einar, who was shot dead 18 months later.

(Staff: Romania & Sweden / Justice & Crime)

A coordinated operation by Romanian and Swedish police resulted in the arrest in Bucharest of Swedish rapper Haval Khalil, 23. He is one of Sweden’s best-known hip-hop artists, but also a controversial figure with a criminal record. Swedish authorities suspect him of conspiracy to murder and involvement in serious organized crime.

Who is Haval Khalil?

Haval Khalil was born in Sweden to parents of Iraqi origin. Throughout his career, he became known both for his music and for scandals and problems with the law. In 2018, he was convicted of kidnapping rapper Einar, one of Sweden’s most famous artists. Khalil was found guilty of involvement in the incident, in which Einar was held captive and tortured. He received a prison sentence but was later released.

Links to organized crime and the wave of violence in Sweden

Swedish authorities suspect Khalil of involvement in an organized crime network responsible for a series of shootings and acts of violence. Haval Khalil is the brother of another rapper, Jolo, who was killed in an armed attack in 2024. His brother Jolo, also a rapper, was shot dead in Stockholm. Khalil has previously been arrested over suspected links to the criminal underworld.

In November 2024, Haval was detained by Swedish police on suspicion of involvement in an attempted murder, but was released for lack of evidence. The current arrest comes amid an alarming increase in gun violence in Sweden, a problem that has prompted authorities to intensify international cooperation.

Arrest in Bucharest

According to the available information, Khalil was arrested on Thursday during a Romanian police raid, with the support of Swedish authorities. He was wanted under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Sweden. The arrest took place at a location in Bucharest and was carried out by Romanian police officers.

The context and the investigation

The arrest of Haval Khalil is an important step in the fight against organized crime in Sweden, a country facing a wave of violence between rival gangs. Swedish authorities believe Khalil is a central figure in this network, and his extradition to Sweden could provide new information about the structure and activities of criminal groups.