An individual from Bridgehampton was indicted today on charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud after prosecutors claim he concealed his involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. During this time, Faustin Nsabumukunzi, as a local leader, allegedly oversaw violent acts against the Tutsi population, according to the U.S. Attoney's Office.
The charges unsealed in the Central Islip federal courthouse indicate that Nsabumukunzi's involvement in the genocide included directing killings, enabling sexual violence, and setting up roadblocks to detain and execute Tutsis, contributing to the devastating impact on Rwanda's history. He was arrested this morning in Long Island and is set to appear before U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert. John J. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated, "For over two decades, he got away with those lies and lived in the United States with an undeserved clean slate, a luxury that his victims will never have," as reported by the U.S. Attoney's Office.
During the Rwandan genocide, an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed between April and July, a period now recognized as one of the most devastating in modern history. While Nsabumukunzi was convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for his role in the genocide, it was only after his fraudulent statements to U.S. immigration officials were discovered that legal proceedings in the U.S. began, resulting in the current immigration fraud charges.
Investigators pursued the case for years, leveraging the efforts of multiple agencies, including HSI New York. Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack stated in the press release, "The depraved conduct of which the defendant is accused represent the worst of humanity. As demonstrated through the tireless work of HSI New York agents, analysts, and task force officers," highlighting their commitment to ensuring that individuals accused of such serious crimes cannot find refuge in the U.S. If convicted on all charges, Nsabumukunzi faces up to 30 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Alessi and Katherine P. Onyshko, Paralegal Specialist Erin Payne, and Trial Attorney Brian Morgan from the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section were acknowledged by the Justice Department for their role in leading the prosecution efforts.
