05/12/2023
Former US Ambassador Arrested in Shocking Espionage Scandal I Victor Manuel Rocha
In a shocking development, the former US Ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha, has been arrested on charges of acting as a covert agent for Cuba for four decades, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Federal prosecutors reveal that since 1981, Rocha has been secretly aiding Cuba and its intelligence services, posing as an agent against the United States.
Rocha allegedly used his high-level diplomatic positions to access classified information and influence US foreign policy, all while maintaining his status as a clandestine Cuban agent. The newly unsealed criminal complaint states that Rocha faces charges of conspiracy, acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government, and the unlawful use of a passport obtained through false statements.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a press conference on Monday, described this case as one of the most extensive and enduring infiltrations of the US government by a foreign agent. Prosecutors cite Rocha's own recorded statements from meetings with an undercover FBI agent dating back to November of the previous year to expose his decades-long deception.
According to the charging documents, Rocha strategically advanced his diplomatic career under the supervision of "the Dirección," a term he used to describe the Cuban intelligence apparatus. Starting in 1981 with lower-level postings in US embassies, he eventually served in key roles, including the National Security Council and as the US ambassador to Bolivia from 1999 to 2002.
Even after leaving government service, Rocha continued his covert activities, working as an adviser to the commander of US Southern Command on issues related to Cuba. Prosecutors assert that throughout this time, he remained an agent for Cuba's intelligence services.
The FBI initiated its investigation around November of the previous year when they received information about Rocha's covert role. An undercover FBI agent contacted Rocha via WhatsApp, claiming to represent "friends in Havana" and delivering a message on a "sensitive matter." Rocha agreed to meet, and during subsequent meetings, he detailed his actions as a Cuban agent, celebrating his role in undermining the US.
The complaint concludes with an interview where Rocha allegedly lied
repeatedly to Diplomatic Security Service agents, denying any meetings with the undercover agent. However, when confronted with a photo of them together, he refused to comment. Attorney General Garland emphasized the severity of betraying public trust and pledged to pursue the case with the full force of the Justice Department.
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In a shocking development, the former US Ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha, has been arrested on charges of acting as a covert agent for Cuba for four deca...
