Ex-US ambassador nabbed in Florida, charged as Cuban agent: AP
Former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Arrested in FBI Investigation
A former American diplomat, Manuel Rocha, has been arrested in Miami as part of a long-running FBI counterintelligence investigation. Rocha, who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, is accused of secretly acting as an agent for the Cuban government. The arrest took place on Friday, and more details about the case are expected to be revealed at a court appearance on Monday.
Allegations of Working for Cuba’s Government
The Justice Department case against Rocha accuses him of promoting the interests of the Cuban government. Under federal law, individuals engaged in political activities on behalf of a foreign government or entity within the U.S. must register with the Justice Department. In recent years, the department has intensified its enforcement of illicit foreign lobbying.
The Justice Department has declined to comment on the case, and it remains unclear whether Rocha has legal representation. The law firm where he previously worked has stated that they are not representing him, and his wife hung up when contacted by the Associated Press.
A Diplomatic Career Spanning Decades
Rocha’s diplomatic career spanned 25 years, serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Much of his tenure was in Latin America during the Cold War, a period marked by intense U.S. political and military involvement. He held various diplomatic postings, including a position at the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba when diplomatic relations with Fidel Castro’s communist government were limited.
Born in Colombia and raised in a working-class home in New York City, Rocha obtained liberal arts degrees from prestigious institutions such as Yale, Harvard, and Georgetown before joining the foreign service in 1981.
Involvement in Political Crises
During his career, Rocha served as the top U.S. diplomat in Argentina during a tumultuous period. He played a role in the country’s political crisis triggered by a currency stabilization program backed by the U.S. that eventually led to five presidents in two weeks.
As ambassador to Bolivia, Rocha directly intervened in the 2002 presidential race, warning the electorate that electing former coca grower Evo Morales would jeopardize future aid from the United States. Despite his efforts, Morales was elected, and Rocha’s successor was expelled by the leftist leader for inciting “civil war.”
A Second Career and Recent Roles
After retiring from the State Department, Rocha embarked on a second career in business. He served as the president of a gold mine in the Dominican Republic and held senior positions at various companies, including a Pennsylvania-based coal exporter and a law firm involved in the cannabis industry.
The law firm Foley & Lardner confirmed that Rocha left the firm in August. Spanish public relations firms Llorente & Cuenca, where Rocha also worked, expressed their commitment to transparency and willingness to cooperate with authorities.
As the case unfolds, more information is expected to emerge, shedding light on the allegations against Rocha and his alleged involvement with the Cuban government.
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What potential legal consequences, including imprisonment, could Rocha face if convicted, and what are the national security implications of his alleged involvement with the Cuban government
.S.-Cuba tensions. He served as ambassador to Bolivia from 2000 to 2002, and was also posted in Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
During his time in Bolivia, Rocha was involved in efforts to strengthen U.S.-Bolivia relations. He supported anti-drug initiatives, promoted economic development, and advocated for democratic reforms. However, the allegations against him suggest that he may have been working covertly on behalf of the Cuban government.
The FBI Investigation and Arrest
The FBI investigation into Rocha’s activities reportedly spanned several years. According to court documents, agents uncovered evidence suggesting that Rocha was involved in espionage activities on behalf of the Cuban government, including passing sensitive information and conducting covert communications.
His arrest on Friday came as a surprise to many in the diplomatic community. The details surrounding his alleged activities and why the investigation took so long have yet to be disclosed. However, it is believed that the FBI had been working diligently to build a strong case against him before making the arrest.
Possible Consequences and Implications
If convicted, Rocha could face significant legal consequences, including potential imprisonment. The depth of his alleged involvement with the Cuban government and the level of classified information he may have shared could have serious national security implications.
This case has once again brought attention to the issue of illicit foreign lobbying and the need for stricter enforcement. The Justice Department’s intensified efforts in recent years demonstrate the seriousness with which such activities are viewed and the measures being taken to address them.
For now, the future remains uncertain for Manuel Rocha. As more details emerge and the case unfolds, it will become clearer what impact this arrest will have on U.S.-Cuba relations and the broader field of diplomacy.
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