Bosnia ‘Human Safari’ scandal: Wealthy Europeans paid to hunt Bosnian Muslims

Italy has launched an official investigation into shocking allegations that wealthy Europeans, including Italians, paid to take part in so-called “human safaris” during the Bosnian War—where Bosnian Muslims were allegedly hunted for sport.

Europe in Shock Over Decades-Old War Crimes

New evidence suggests that during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, some affluent Europeans paid large sums of money to Serbian forces in exchange for the opportunity to shoot at civilians in besieged Sarajevo. The Milan Prosecutor’s Office has opened an inquiry into claims that Italian citizens participated in these “sniper safaris.”

Between 1992 and 1996, over 10,000 Bosnian Muslims were killed by snipers during the siege of Sarajevo—the longest in modern warfare. Now, decades later, the allegations of paid participation have reignited outrage across Europe.

Reports: Civilians Targeted for Money

According to journalist Ezio Gavazzeni, the investigation was prompted by testimonies describing how “very wealthy weapons enthusiasts” from Italy and other European countries paid Serbian fighters to kill unarmed civilians.

Gavazzeni claims that these individuals treated the war zone as an “open-air shooting range,” paying up to €100,000 per person for the experience.

Higher Fees for Women and Children

Investigators are now reviewing documents and witness statements suggesting that different prices were set for men, women, and children. Payments reportedly went to Serbian intermediaries who arranged the deadly excursions.

Among the collected evidence is testimony from a former Bosnian military intelligence officer.

Prosecutors Seek to Identify Participants

Led by anti-terror prosecutor Alessandro Gobbi, Milan authorities are working to identify the Italian nationals involved, investigating them for crimes of murder and persecution.

The claims link the killings to the army of Radovan Karadžić, the former Bosnian Serb leader convicted in 2016 of genocide and crimes against humanity.

‘Thrill Killers’ From Across Europe

Speaking to La Repubblica, Gavazzeni said the phenomenon involved “dozens, possibly a hundred” wealthy individuals from Italy, Germany, France, and the UK who traveled to Bosnia to take part in the atrocities purely for entertainment.

“There was no political or religious motivation,” he said. “These were people obsessed with weapons and the thrill of killing—similar to those who go on safaris in Africa.”

Disguised as Aid Workers

Reports from Il Giornale indicate that participants reached sniper positions in the hills around Sarajevo disguised as aid workers, passing through checkpoints by paying large bribes.

The Italian prosecutors’ office confirmed that several Italian suspects have already been identified and may soon face questioning.

Gavazzeni’s lawyer told The Guardian that the journalist’s findings are “based on solid evidence” and could lead to serious criminal proceedings. The case is also supported by a report from the former Mayor of Sarajevo, adding further credibility to the claims.