Former Danish gang leader Nedim Yasar was shot dead in Copenhagen on Monday evening, just hours after attending a book launch for his memoir and a day before the book’s release.
The incident was reported shortly after 19:30 local time (18:30 GMT) in the Danish capital. Copenhagen Police said a suspect dressed in dark clothing fired “at least two shots” at Yasar before fleeing on foot.
Yasar, 31, was taken to hospital but died of his injuries. His memoir, Roots, was published on Tuesday, 21 November 2018.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and that they are “seeking witnesses” who may be able to help clarify what happened. Yasar had also reported that he was the victim of an attempted assault last year.
Born in Turkey, Yasar moved to Denmark at the age of four. He later led the Copenhagen-based gang Los Guerreros, which police described as a notorious group with links to the drugs trade.
According to Danish news agency Ritzau, he left the gang in 2012 and entered an exit programme after learning he was going to become a father. After that, he rebuilt his public profile as a mentor to young people and as a radio personality on Radio24syv.
Following confirmation of his death on Tuesday, Radio24syv posted a tribute showing its office building with the Danish flag at half mast. The station wrote: “Farewell Nedim Yasar, and thanks for everything.”
Roots: A Gangster's Way Out, written by Marie-Louise Toksvig, tells the story of Yasar’s effort to leave the criminal underworld behind.
Denmark’s Justice Minister, Søren Pape Poulsen, called the killing “sad and infinitely meaningless” on Tuesday. In a tweet, he said: “I met Nedim once. I met a man who with all his heart wanted to create a new life and make a difference for others. My thoughts and compassion go to his friends and family.”
The killing comes amid a rise in gang-related shootings in Denmark in recent years. Police said a record number of shootings were reported last year.
