New York Man Indicted for Concealing Role in Rwandan Genocide

Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, was indicted for immigration fraud for hiding his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. He allegedly misrepresented himself on green card and citizenship applications, was involved in coordinating violence against Tutsis, and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

A New York resident has been indicted for immigration fraud, accused of hiding his involvement in the Rwandan genocide that took place in 1994. Faustin Nsabumukunzi, aged 65 and residing in Bridgehampton, allegedly misrepresented his background on both his green card and U.S. citizenship applications, as revealed by the Department of Justice earlier this week.

Court documents suggest that Nsabumukunzi held a significant role in Rwanda during the genocide, acting as a “Sector Counselor.” It was in this position that he witnessed and purportedly participated in the brutal actions against the Tutsi minority. The U.S. Justice Department noted that from April through July 1994, approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered in this violent conflict.

According to the indictment, Nsabumukunzi has lived in the United States under these false pretenses for over two decades. Darren B. McCormack, the Acting Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, condemned his alleged actions, emphasizing that they represent “the worst of humanity.”

While in his leadership role, Nsabumukunzi is accused of coordinating violence against Tutsis, including managing armed groups and establishing roadblocks to facilitate the killings. Notably, he was convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for his crimes during this dark period.

Following his arrival in the U.S., Nsabumukunzi applied for refugee status in 2003, obtained a green card in 2007, and continued to pursue naturalization in both 2009 and 2015. If found guilty of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalization fraud, he faces a serious penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison.

In summary, Faustin Nsabumukunzi has been indicted for concealing his principal role in the Rwandan genocide while living in New York. His actions, as detailed by the Justice Department, expose a dark past that he allegedly attempted to hide for decades. The legal consequences he faces are significant, with potential penalties reaching 30 years in prison if convicted.

Original Source: www.upi.com