United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

TWO CHARGED WITH CHILD SMUGGLING

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HUSSEIN MUTUNGIREHE, age 38, a citizen of Rwanda residing at 8 Hobart Street, Meriden, Connecticut, and ABIBA KANZAYIRE, age 35, a native and citizen of Rwanda, were indicted today by a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven in a thirteen count superceding indictment related to smuggling children into the United States.

The indictment alleges that in or about 2002 until September 13, 2003, MUTUNGIREHE and KANZAYIRE illegally conspired to bring minor alien children into the United States. They are also charged with seven counts of illegally encouraging and bringing alien children into the United States, with three counts of illegally harboring alien children, and with two counts of illegally transporting alien children in the United States. The indictment also charged one count of bringing a minor alien child into the United States for private financial gain.

"The safety and welfare of children is of paramount importance to this Office," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "Smuggling children is a dangerous endeavor where profit, rather than a child's well-being, is the common motive."

If convicted on all charges, HUSSEIN and KANZAYIRE each face up to forty-five years' imprisonment. Also, each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

United States Attorney O'Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial at which the Government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by Special Agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Officers of the United States Customs and Border Protection and assisted by the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Krishna R. Patel.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov