New York Beekeeper Charged with Concealing Involvement in 1994 Rwandan Genocide
A New York beekeeper, Faustin Nsabumukunzi, has been arrested and charged with concealing his role as an alleged leader in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. According to federal prosecutors, Nsabumukunzi falsely claimed in his applications for a green card and U.S. citizenship that he was not involved in the genocide. The indictment, which was returned on April 22 and unsealed on April 24, accuses the 65-year-old Bridgehampton resident of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud.
The Allegations
Nsabumukunzi, originally from Rwanda, applied for refugee resettlement in the United States in 2003 and settled on Long Island, where he worked as a beekeeper and gardener. However, prosecutors allege that Nsabumukunzi was a prominent figure in the Rwandan genocide, specifically a "Sector Councilor" in the southern Rwandan region of Kibirizi during the violence that began in April 1994. The genocide, which emerged from a conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, led to the deaths of an estimated 800,000 Tutsis over 100 days.
As a local leader, Nsabumukunzi is accused of directing armed Hutus to kill Tutsis and setting up roadblocks to capture and detain fleeing Tutsis. He allegedly played an active role in organizing attacks on Tutsi shelters, encouraging sexual violence against Tutsi women, and facilitating the deaths of innocent civilians. Prosecutors also claim that Nsabumukunzi was convicted of genocide in absentia by a Rwandan court.
A Path to the U.S. Based on Lies
In 2007, Nsabumukunzi received a green card and later applied for U.S. citizenship in 2009 and again in 2015. During these applications, he allegedly misrepresented his involvement in the genocide, repeatedly claiming that he was not involved in any violence during the tragic event. These false claims were made despite his documented participation in the atrocities as a local leader during the genocide.
U.S. Attorney John Durham condemned Nsabumukunzi’s actions, saying that he “lied to conceal his involvement in the horrific Rwandan genocide while seeking to become a lawful permanent resident and citizen of the United States.” He further emphasized that Nsabumukunzi had "got away with those lies" for more than two decades, living in the U.S. with a "clean slate" while his victims have not had the same luxury.
Legal Consequences
Nsabumukunzi faces serious legal consequences if convicted. He could be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison for his crimes. During his initial court appearance on April 24, Nsabumukunzi pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted a $250,000 bond. As part of his bail conditions, he will be required to stay under home detention with GPS monitoring, although he will be allowed to continue working as a gardener for a private equity entrepreneur in Long Island, who posted his bond.
A Family's New Beginning
Nsabumukunzi's case adds to the growing list of individuals who have been brought to justice for their roles in the Rwandan genocide, but it also reveals a strikingly different narrative for him personally. After losing more than 200 relatives in the genocide, Nsabumukunzi and his family sought a new life in the U.S., where he pursued his career as a beekeeper. In a 2006 New York Times profile, Nsabumukunzi described his journey as a refugee, recounting how he moved through various refugee camps before being granted political asylum in the U.S. He eventually moved to Long Island and worked for the Hamptons Honey Company, where he applied his expertise in beekeeping, having managed a team of 150 beekeepers in Rwanda before the genocide.
The Global Search for Justice
Nsabumukunzi's case is part of a broader international effort to hold accountable those responsible for the Rwandan genocide, even decades after the atrocity took place. Over the years, several individuals involved in the genocide have been arrested and charged, with many trying to conceal their past actions to gain asylum in countries like the United States.
In March 2024, an Ohio man, Eric Tabaro Nshimiye, was charged for lying about his participation in genocidal killings. Nshimiye had falsely portrayed himself as a victim of the genocide. Similarly, in 2013, Beatrice Munyenyezi, a New Hampshire woman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for concealing her involvement in the genocide while unlawfully obtaining U.S. citizenship. These cases highlight the ongoing challenge of bringing perpetrators of such horrific crimes to justice, particularly when they have hidden their pasts to start new lives abroad.
The Role of the U.S. and International Justice
The U.S. has been a key player in the pursuit of justice for the Rwandan genocide, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) playing a significant role in investigating individuals who have sought asylum in the U.S. while concealing their genocidal actions. The case against Nsabumukunzi demonstrates the importance of thorough background checks and the vigilance of U.S. authorities in uncovering fraudulent claims made during immigration processes.
Faustin Nsabumukunzi's arrest and the charges against him underscore the continued efforts of the international community to address the scars left by the Rwandan genocide. For many survivors, seeing perpetrators brought to justice, even decades later, represents a vital step toward healing and reconciliation. As Nsabumukunzi’s trial progresses, the world will continue to watch the legal proceedings, hoping for justice for the victims and their families.