Bosnian War Criminal Lied to Become US Citizen, Gets 2.5 Years in Prison

Nada Radovan Tomanić, 53, concealed her past involvement in war crimes when applying for naturalization in 2012.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation and prosecution of a war criminal.The sentencing of a former Bosnian war criminal who lied to become a U.S. citizen exposes the ongoing pursuit of justice for past human rights abuses.Hartford Today

Nada Radovan Tomanić, a 53-year-old woman from Connecticut, was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison for lying about her criminal past when applying for U.S. citizenship in 2012. Prosecutors say Tomanić served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s Bosnian conflict, where she participated in the severe physical and psychological abuse of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners, including torture and inhumane treatment. Despite this history, Tomanić denied having served in a detention facility or being involved in the detention of others when she applied for naturalization.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of thoroughly vetting applicants for U.S. citizenship and ensuring that those with histories of human rights abuses or war crimes do not gain entry to the country. It also demonstrates the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of atrocities, even decades after the crimes were committed.

The details

Tomanić, who was living in Hartford, Connecticut when she applied for U.S. citizenship in 2012, lied under oath about her past involvement in war crimes during an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer. Prosecutors say she served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, where she and other soldiers engaged in the severe physical and psychological abuse of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners, including torture and inhumane treatment. Despite this history, Tomanić denied having served in a detention facility or being involved in the detention of others when applying for naturalization.

  • Tomanić served with the Zulfikar Special Unit in the 1990s during the Bosnian conflict.
  • Tomanić applied for U.S. citizenship in Hartford, Connecticut in 2012.
  • On November 10, 2025, Tomanić pleaded guilty to one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law.
  • On April 9, 2026, Tomanić was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison.

The players

Nada Radovan Tomanić

A 53-year-old woman from Connecticut who lied about her criminal past to gain U.S. citizenship in 2012.

David Sullivan

The interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, who announced Tomanić's sentencing.

P.J. O'Brien

The Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New Haven Field Office, who commented on the investigation into Tomanić's violent history.

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What they’re saying

“I sincerely appreciate the investigative work of our law enforcement partners both here in the U.S. and in Bosnia who have disregarded the passage of decades to ensure that justice is served. There is no statute of limitations for human decency.”

— David Sullivan, Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut

“Over the course of this investigation, Tomanić's violent history of targeting people based on their ethnicity and religion came to light, and we hope that yesterday's sentencing gives some measure of justice to her victims.”

— P.J. O'Brien, Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Haven Field Office

What’s next

The judge will determine whether Tomanić will be allowed to remain free on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to hold accountable those who have committed war crimes and human rights abuses, even decades later. It also underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting applicants for U.S. citizenship to prevent those with violent pasts from gaining entry to the country.