A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigation has led to the indictment of a Dayton resident, Vincent Nzigiyimfura, for allegedly lying on his green card and U.S. citizenship applications. The charges relate to concealing his past as a leader and perpetrator during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Court documents describe Nzigiyimfura, now 65, as a prominent businessman in Rwanda at the time of the genocide. He is accused of using his influence to organize violence against Tutsis, a minority group targeted during the conflict.
"ICE HSI is committed to pursuing justice for victims of genocide by ensuring that those who committed atrocities in foreign lands cannot hide in Ohio or any other community in the United States," stated Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit. "No one wants a war criminal as their neighbor and these allegations paint a grim picture of the horror Nzigiyimfura inflicted on the Tutsi people."
Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris for the Southern District of Ohio added, "The indictment alleges this defendant facilitated the killings of Tutsis during the Rwandan genocide and then lied about it on immigration applications in the United States."
Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division remarked, "As alleged, Vincent Nzigiyimfura directed and encouraged murders during the genocide in Rwanda and then lied to U.S. authorities to start a new life in this country."
Nzigiyimfura is charged with directing armed groups to kill Tutsis and setting up roadblocks for detaining them. Court filings indicate he was convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for genocide.
In 2008, Nzigiyimfura entered the U.S., gaining lawful permanent resident status before applying for naturalization in 2014. He allegedly misled immigration officials by denying involvement in genocide activities.
On June 12, he was arrested and charged with visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years imprisonment.
ICE HSI Detroit investigates this case with support from various agencies including the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC). The HRVWCC works towards identifying human rights abusers within U.S borders.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Painter and Trial Attorney Brian Morgan are handling prosecution duties for this case.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about potential human rights violators residing in the U.S to contact law enforcement via ICE's tip line or email address provided.
An indictment contains allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
