A snuff-film is the generic term for a video or motion picture, which depicts the legitimate murder or execution of an individual for profit or enjoyment. In reality very few real snuff-films are believed to exist, with more hoaxes or imitations than actual examples. Those which depict a genuine homicide have typically been limited to those issued by terrorists or kidnappers, who are demanding ransom and therefore stand to profit from the production of the snuff-film.
In the Gunslinger Girl saga, the Neapolitan Mafia, either directly, or through collaboration with a third party, is suspected of producing a series of snuff-films that depict the torture and murder of child victims. Eventually this is proven, but a lengthily legal battle rages on outside of the events of the manga, and the criminal organization never sees retribution for their crimes.