50 Cent Petitions Judge to Secure Bail for Cocaine Dealer Ahead of European Tour
50 Cent asked judge to bail – In July 2025, 50 Cent’s Legacy Tour traversed various European venues, but the rapper’s involvement in the event took an unexpected turn when he submitted a request to a judge for the release of a defendant on bail. The move stunned investigators in Derby, who were examining cocaine trafficking networks during Operation Daybreak.
Conviction and Bail Request
Abdirahiim Hassan, 37, from Hammersmith and Fulham, London, was sentenced to 18.5 years in prison at Derby Crown Court on Friday. He had been convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A cocaine and possession of criminal property in March 2026. His bail application, however, gained attention after 50 Cent wrote a letter supporting it. The rapper offered to cover £50,000 for Hassan’s release, citing his role in the European tour.
“My name is Curtis Jackson, known professionally as 50 Cent.” The letter began, emphasizing Hassan’s critical role in managing food and beverage operations for the tour. It also highlighted his responsibility for promoting the rapper’s Sire Spirit brand across multiple countries.
Hassan was part of a group of 10 individuals convicted in Operation Daybreak. Prosecutors described him as “substantially involved in national-level cocaine trafficking.” During the trial, evidence revealed Hassan had deposited £150,000 in cash into his account between 2022 and 2025, with £22,500 discovered in heat-sealed bags during a home search.
Private Jet Lifestyle and Evidence
Prosecutors argued Hassan acted as a “money-launderer” for organized crime groups in Sinfin and Chaddesden. Harminder Purewal, 47, from Derby, was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A cocaine and received a 20-year sentence. Hassan was arrested as he made a fourth trip to Derby to collect cash from Purewal.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Green, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, expressed surprise at 50 Cent’s letter. “When you get something like that come in, it’s quite a unique moment,” he said. “The team were a little bit shocked.” Initially skeptical, investigators later confirmed Hassan’s lifestyle included private jet travel and attendance at US tour dates, as evidenced by submitted photos and videos.
“I write as someone who has relied on him [Hassan] directly in my own business and who knows his character through years of firsthand experience.” 50 Cent added in another letter, stressing his awareness of Hassan’s criminal activities but advocating for his release. “His experience, reliability and understanding of the work make him someone I would welcome back without hesitation.”
The case has sparked discussions about the connection between celebrity influence and criminal networks. While there’s no indication 50 Cent knew of Hassan’s crimes, his public endorsement of the bail application added an unusual dimension to the trial. For more updates, follow BBC Radio Derby on Sounds, or connect with BBC Derby via Facebook, X, or Instagram. Share your story ideas with eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or message via WhatsApp on 0808 100.
