Prosecutor: Diddy Ran a 20-Year Crime Ring Through Power, Violence, and Fear

Sean “Diddy” Combs is at the centre of a federal criminal trial where prosecutors have accused him of orchestrating a decades-long criminal enterprise built on intimidation, violence, and abuse of power.

Delivering a nearly five-hour closing argument on Thursday, June 26, lead federal prosecutor Christy Slavik told the New York court that Combs used his fame, wealth, and influence to commit and cover up serious crimes, ranging from sex trafficking to drug distribution.

“He’s the leader of a criminal enterprise,” Slavik said. “He doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. He used power, violence, and fear to get what he wanted. He thought he was untouchable.”

The 55-year-old rap legend faces multiple charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transporting women for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations.

Prosecutors alleged that Combs used a network of bodyguards, personal assistants, and staff members to facilitate and hide his crimes. They were said to have distributed hard drugs — including cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, and oxycodone — while helping organise so-called “freak offs” or “king nights,” where women, often under the influence of drugs, were coerced into performing sex acts.

Slavik claimed that one of Combs’ victims was his former partner, Cassie Ventura, who was allegedly physically assaulted by the rapper at a New York hotel — an incident captured on security footage shown in court. Another woman, referred to only as “Jane,” was also named as a victim of coercion and abuse.

The court also heard that Combs once ordered the kidnapping of his former assistant Capricorn Clark and allegedly attempted to blow up a car belonging to fellow rapper Kid Cudi. In another incident, he was accused of brutally stomping a girlfriend and locking her in a hotel room.

Slavik described the rapper’s inner circle as a “small army” that helped him commit hundreds of racketeering acts.

Combs’ defence team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, has argued that while there were instances of domestic violence, no federal crimes occurred. They insisted the women were willing participants, the drugs were for personal use, and no formal conspiracy existed.

But prosecutors dismissed that argument, insisting that the scope and coordination of the offences point to a well-organised and deliberate criminal structure.

“Before today, he got away with it because of his money, power, and influence,” Slavik said. “But that stops now. It’s time to hold him accountable. It’s time for justice.”

Combs has been in federal custody since his arrest in September 2024. If found guilty on all counts, he could face a minimum sentence of 15 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment.

Defence closing arguments are scheduled for Friday, after which the judge will instruct the jury. Deliberations are expected to begin later in the day. A unanimous verdict is required for conviction on any of the charges.