The 1990s siege of Sarajevo is one of the darkest moments in European history.
However, new investigations are now shedding light on a particularly disturbing aspect of this tragic conflict - wealthy tourists allegedly paying huge sums to engage in sniper tourism, where they were reportedly charged to shoot innocent civilians.
As authorities in Italy, the United States, and Bosnia continue to probe the truth behind these claims, the investigation has drawn renewed attention to the horrors of the Bosnian War.
Allegations of "Sniper Tourism" During the Siege of Sarajevo
Between 1992 and 1995, Sarajevo endured the longest siege of any capital city in modern history.
During this harrowing period, the city's residents faced constant shelling and sniper fire, leading to the deaths of more than 10,000 civilians, per the Telegraph.
But amidst this chaos, disturbing allegations have emerged about a group of wealthy individuals who allegedly traveled to Sarajevo for the opportunity to participate in what can only be described as a grotesque form of "sniper tourism".
Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni has been at the forefront of uncovering these claims.
In 2022, he filed a 17-page complaint in Milan, detailing a disturbing "human safari" activity where wealthy tourists were reportedly charged between $91,000 and $115,000 to shoot innocent civilians in Sarajevo.
According to Gavazzeni, these tourists came from various countries, including Italy, Russia, and the U.S., and they paid significant sums to engage in these heinous acts, with some paying extra to target children.
The "Price List" for Targeted Victims
Gavazzeni's complaint provides further chilling details, alleging that a "price list" existed for the killings. Tourists were reportedly charged different fees depending on their victim's age or gender.
"Children cost more, then men, preferably in uniform and armed, women, and finally old people, who could be killed for free," Gavazzeni explained in his report.
These shocking revelations paint a disturbing picture of the lengths to which some wealthy individuals were willing to go for the thrill of participating in this bloodthirsty "safari."
The participants were allegedly escorted by Serbian forces to the hills surrounding Sarajevo, where they took aim at the unsuspecting victims below.
The infamous "Sniper Alley," a street in Sarajevo notorious for deadly sniper fire, became one of the key locations where these crimes took place.
The Investigation Into Sniper Tourism: Prosecutors Take Action
The investigation into these chilling allegations has gained significant momentum, with Italian prosecutors now looking into the matter, per Reuters.
In February 2026, authorities summoned an 80-year-old Italian man for questioning, a former truck driver living near Pordenone, Italy.
This man is expected to provide crucial information about the activities surrounding these "sniper tourism" trips.
While he has not been arrested, his testimony could play a pivotal role in uncovering the truth behind these alleged war crimes.
Although the investigations have focused heavily on Italy, with the involvement of the Carabinieri police’s special terrorism unit, it is not just Italian authorities who are pursuing justice.
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna in the United States has announced her own investigation into whether any American citizens were involved in these atrocities.
Luna has been adamant that "paying money to shoot civilians - and even worse to shoot children - is a level of evil our country cannot and will not tolerate."