Ex-diplomat accused of spying for Cuban intelligence
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
5:05 PM – Monday, December 4, 2023
The Justice Department dropped a bombshell today, revealing that a former American diplomat who served as a United States ambassador to Bolivia and Argentina has been accused of working as a covert spy for Cuba’s intelligence services since 1981.
Former career U.S. diplomat Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, was apprehended by the FBI at his Miami residence on Friday, marking a major development in this high-profile case.
Rocha, who held significant positions in Bolivia, Argentina, and the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba during his two-decade diplomatic career, made a brief court appearance on Monday before being taken into custody. A bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Prosecutors are calling this one of the most audacious and enduring betrayals in the history of American foreign services.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a statement, announced the arrest of Rocha, a former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, and described this case as one of the “highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations” of the American government by a foreign representative.
“Those who have the privilege of serving in the government of the United States are given an enormous amount of trust by the public we serve,” Garland said. “This action exposes one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the United States government by a foreign agent. To betray that trust by falsely pledging loyalty to the United States while serving a foreign power is a crime that will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.”
Rocha is facing charges for aiding the Cuban government’s activities, which is not illegal unless performed on U.S. soil without registering as a “foreign lobbyist” with the Justice Department.
According to authorities, Rocha has been secretly working for Cuba since November 1981.
He is currently charged with conspiracy to act as a foreign agent to defraud the U.S., acting as an illegal agent for a foreign government, and using a passport obtained through false statements.
Prosecutors have hinted that additional charges may be forthcoming in the coming weeks.
In November 2022, Rocha allegedly received a WhatsApp message from an undercover FBI agent, setting off a series of meetings where he boasted about his unwavering loyalty to Havana.
“Good Afternoon ambassador, my name is Miguel and I have a message for you from your friends in Havana,” FBI special agent Michael Haley wrote in a criminal complaint, citing the undercover agent. “It is in regard to a sensitive matter. Are you available for a telephone call?”
During the last meeting, Rocha became defensive when questioned about his loyalty to Havana, responding with vulgar language and expressing his anger.
“I am angry. I’m pissed off,” Rocha reportedly said. “It’s like you want me to drop them … and show you if I still have testicles.”
Furthermore, Rocha repeatedly referred to the U.S. as “the enemy,” according to Attorney General Garland.
“He told the undercover that his efforts to infiltrate the United States government were ‘meticulous’ and ‘very disciplined,’” Garland said. “And he repeatedly bragged about the significance of his efforts saying that, ‘What has been done has strengthened the revolution immensely.’”
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How transparent is the Justice Department being in providing updates on the investigation into Rocha’s alleged spying activities
Tors allege that Rocha provided sensitive information and conducted espionage activities while posing as a loyal diplomat. This includes sharing classified intelligence, identifying U.S. intelligence assets in Cuba, and monitoring Cuban dissidents living in the United States.
The arrest of a former American diplomat on charges of spying for a foreign government has raised significant concerns within the U.S. intelligence community and diplomatic circles. It underscores the ongoing threats and challenges faced by the American government in safeguarding sensitive information and countering foreign espionage.
The case also highlights the importance of thorough vetting and background checks for individuals serving in sensitive government positions. Rocha’s decades-long infiltration of the U.S. government raises questions about the effectiveness of the screening processes employed by intelligence agencies and the diplomatic corps.
Attorney General Garland emphasized the seriousness of this crime and the need to hold individuals accountable for such betrayals of trust. The U.S. government places a high level of trust in its officials, and any breach of that trust undermines national security and compromises the integrity of U.S. foreign policy.
As the investigation into Rocha’s activities continues, it is crucial for the Justice Department to uncover the full extent of his espionage efforts and identify any potential damage done to U.S. national security. Additionally, steps must be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, including improving vetting processes and enhancing counterintelligence measures.
This case serves as a reminder that espionage remains a significant threat to national security, even in the digital age. Foreign intelligence services are constantly seeking to gain access to sensitive information and influence the actions of foreign governments. The arrest of Rocha highlights the need for continued vigilance and robust efforts to detect and counter foreign espionage.
The disclosure of Rocha’s alleged spying activities for Cuba’s intelligence services is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to protect U.S. national security. The arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in espionage send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.
As the case unfolds, it is essential for the Justice Department to maintain transparency and provide updates on the progress of the investigation. This will help to reassure the public that steps are being taken to address the breach and ensure the integrity of the U.S. government.
In conclusion, the arrest of former U.S. ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha on charges of spying for Cuba’s intelligence services is a matter of great concern. It exposes the vulnerability of the U.S. government to foreign espionage and raises questions about the effectiveness of screening processes. The case underscores the ongoing threats faced by the U.S. intelligence community and the need for continued vigilance in countering foreign espionage. The Justice Department’s prosecution of Rocha sends a strong message that such betrayals of trust will not go unpunished. It is essential for the investigation to proceed diligently, ensuring that any potential damage to national security is addressed, and necessary measures are taken to prevent future incidents of this nature.
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