New York Man Charged with Immigration Fraud for Concealing Role in Rwandan Genocide
Faustin Nsabumukunzi, a New York man, is charged with immigration fraud for concealing his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. He applied for refugee status and citizenship while having a history as a local leader in Rwanda involved in the atrocities. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.
A 65-year-old man residing in Bridgehampton, New York, has been charged with immigration fraud for allegedly hiding his involvement in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The Justice Department reported that Faustin Nsabumukunzi misrepresented his identity while applying for both a green card and U.S. citizenship, indicating a grave violation of immigration regulations.
Court records reveal that Nsabumukunzi held the title of “Sector Counselor” in Rwanda during the genocide, a period marked by severe violence. An estimated 800,000 individuals, mostly ethnic Tutsis and some moderate Hutus, were brutally killed in just three months as violence erupted between the Hutu and Tutsi populations.
According to the Justice Department, Nsabumukunzi lived in the U.S. under false pretenses for many years. “The depraved conduct of which the defendant is accused represents the worst of humanity,” noted Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack.
As a leader, Nsabumukunzi played a role in the violence, reportedly overseeing killings and directing Hutu militias. He allegedly established roadblocks to capture Tutsis, contributing to the widespread atrocities. Notably, he was tried and convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for genocide offenses.
Nsabumukunzi initially arrived in the U.S. as a refugee in 2003, securing a green card four years later. He applied for naturalization in both 2009 and 2015. Should he be convicted of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalization fraud, he could face up to 30 years in federal prison.
Nsabumukunzi’s arrest underscores the serious issue of individuals with ties to international crimes obtaining residency in the United States. The Justice Department’s actions reflect a commitment to holding those accountable for their past actions, particularly when it involves heinous acts like genocide. His potential maximum sentence could serve as a warning to others who have attempted similar fraud.
Original Source: www.upi.com
