A Rwandan beekeeper living in the United States has been arrested in connection with the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, is accused of committing “heinous acts of violence abroad” during the early days of the genocide, the U.S. Justice Department stated.
Nsabumukunzi faces charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud after moving to the U.S. in 2003. Prosecutors claim he lied about his involvement in the genocide when applying for refugee status and later during his green card and naturalization applications. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on a $250,000 bond, which includes home detention and GPS monitoring.
During the 1994 genocide, in which around 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days, Nsabumukunzi is accused of overseeing roadblocks used to detain and kill Tutsis. Prosecutors say he directed groups of armed Hutus to carry out these killings. A Rwandan genocide court convicted him in absentia and sentenced him to life in prison.
Nsabumukunzi had been living in Bridgehampton, New York, working as a gardener and beekeeper for an exclusive Long Island enclave. In the U.S., he worked for Hamptons Honey Company, overseeing about 100 hives, although the company’s owner, Gabriel Alfaya, stated he was unaware of Nsabumukunzi’s past.
His attorney, Evan Sugar, defended him as a “law-abiding beekeeper and gardener” who was a victim of the genocide, losing many family members. Sugar pledged to fight the charges, maintaining Nsabumukunzi’s innocence.
If convicted, Nsabumukunzi could face up to 30 years in prison. The U.S. has been actively pursuing genocide suspects from Rwanda who have sought refuge in other countries.
