Beekeeper in Long Island accused of concealing involvement in ordering murders and rape during Rwanda genocide to secure U.S. residency.
Federal authorities recently apprehended Faustin Nsabumukunzi, a man alleged to have played a significant role in the 1994 Rwanda genocide, as he operated a new life as a beekeeper in Bridgehampton, Long Island. Prosecutors accuse Nsabumukunzi of providing false information regarding his involvement in the genocide, during which approximately 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsi and moderate Hutus, were systematically murdered over a harrowing 100-day period.
The arrest transpired on Thursday when federal agents confronted Nsabumukunzi at his home. According to court documents, during his initial interaction with authorities, he expressed a sense of resignation about his predicament, implying knowledge of the gravity of the situation.
The genocide began on April 7, 1994, following the assassination of Rwandan and Burundian leaders. The deadly campaign quickly escalated as Hutu extremists targeted Tutsis and moderate Hutus, leading to widespread atrocities. Nsabumukunzi reportedly occupied a leadership role as a sector councilor in Kibirizi, where he allegedly orchestrated violence and instigated the killings of Tutsis. Prosecutors allege he misled Tutsis at public gatherings about their safety while covertly encouraging Hutu militants to engage in violence against them.
Witness testimonies reveal that he set up roadblocks to prevent Tutsis from escaping and coordinated attacks that resulted in numerous fatalities. Specifically, on April 21, 1994, he purportedly ordered the execution of Tutsis gathered at an administrative office, at times participating directly in the violence. Further accusations suggest he not only oversaw killings but also endorsed the sexual assault of Tutsi women as a method of terrorism.
Having arrived in the United States as a refugee in 2004, Nsabumukunzi applied for permanent residency, consistently denying his involvement in the genocide. Prosecutors contend that he has misrepresented his past multiple times in formal applications for a green card and citizenship.
Throughout his time in the U.S., Nsabumukunzi earned recognition for his beekeeping, even being featured in notable publications. However, federal allegations paint a different portrait, emphasizing the contradictions between his public persona and his alleged history of heinous acts during the genocide.
Following his arrest, he faces serious legal consequences, including charges of visa fraud and perjury, with a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison. Additionally, he could face deportation to Rwanda, where he has already been tried and sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia for his actions during the genocide. U.S. Attorney John Durham reiterated the severity of Nsabumukunzi’s alleged crimes and the relentless efforts of investigators to ensure he is held accountable for his actions. The arraignment is scheduled to take place in Central Islip Federal Court, where prosecutors are seeking to deny bail.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the lingering shadows cast by the atrocities of the Rwandan genocide and the ongoing pursuit of justice for its victims.
