A tranquil beekeeping operation in Bridgehampton, New York, masked a dark past as federal authorities unveiled charges against its 65-year-old operator.
According to Daily Caller, Faustin Nsabumukunzi faces a federal indictment for allegedly participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and subsequently lying on immigration documents to establish a new life in the United States.
The Department of Justice's Eastern District of New York claims Nsabumukunzi held a position of authority as "Sector Counselor" during the genocide that claimed an estimated 800,000 lives.
During his tenure between April and July 1994, members of the Hutu majority allegedly committed widespread atrocities against the Tutsi minority population. After these events, Nsabumukunzi reportedly entered the United States under false pretenses and established himself as a beekeeper.
U.S. Attorney John J. Durham emphasized the gravity of Nsabumukunzi's alleged deception. For over 20 years, the suspect maintained a peaceful existence in the United States while concealing his past. Durham's office spearheaded the investigation that finally brought these allegations to light.
Federal prosecutors assert that Nsabumukunzi repeatedly provided false information on immigration documents. These misrepresentations allegedly enabled him to obtain permanent residency status and pursue U.S. citizenship. The investigation revealed a stark contrast between his quiet life as a beekeeper and his alleged involvement in one of history's most brutal genocides.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack of ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York shared his perspective:
This defendant has been living in the United States for decades, hiding his alleged horrific conduct, human rights violations, and his role in these senseless atrocities against innocent Tutsis. The depraved conduct of which the defendant is accused represent the worst of humanity.
The case highlights the Department of Justice's ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute alleged war criminals who seek refuge in the United States.
Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, expressed his department's dedication to this mission:
As alleged, the defendant participated in the commission of heinous acts of violence abroad and then lied his way into a green card and tried to obtain U.S. citizenship. No matter how much time has passed, the Department of Justice will find and prosecute individuals who committed atrocities in their home countries and covered them up to gain entry and seek citizenship in the United States.
The investigation demonstrates the persistent pursuit of justice even decades after the original crimes. Authorities emphasize that the passage of time does not diminish their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions during the genocide.
The case raises complex questions about the statute of limitations and the challenges of prosecuting decades-old war crimes. International law experts suggest this case could set important precedents for future prosecutions of suspected war criminals living under assumed identities in the United States.
Faustin Nsabumukunzi, a 65-year-old beekeeper from Bridgehampton, New York, stands accused of participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide while serving as a Sector Counselor. After allegedly concealing his past to obtain U.S. residency, he established a peaceful life that continued for over two decades.
Federal prosecutors have now charged him with immigration fraud and lying about his involvement in the systematic violence that claimed approximately 800,000 lives, primarily ethnic Tutsis.
