Former ambassador to Bolivia charged for allegedly collaborating with Cuban intelligence providers over a number of a long time.
The USA Division of Justice (DOJ) has charged a former US ambassador to Bolivia for allegedly working with Cuban intelligence providers as an secret agent for a number of a long time.
In court docket papers unsealed on Monday, the DOJ alleged that Manuel Rocha had taken half in “clandestine exercise” with the Cuban authorities since at the least 1981, sharing false info with the US and assembly with Cuban operatives.
The 73-year-old former ambassador labored within the US Overseas Service for 25 years, holding prime posts in South American nations reminiscent of Bolivia and Argentina.
The case in opposition to Rocha “exposes one of many highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of america authorities by a overseas agent”, Legal professional Common Merrick Garland stated in an announcement explaining the costs.
“Those that have the privilege of serving within the authorities of america are given an infinite quantity of belief by the general public we serve,” Garland stated.
“To betray that belief by falsely pledging loyalty to america whereas serving a overseas energy is against the law that can be met with the complete power of the Justice Division.”
The DOJ has charged Rocha with appearing as an unlawful agent of a overseas authorities. US regulation requires these appearing on behalf of overseas governments to register with the DOJ.
The Related Press information company reported that Rocha was arrested on Friday as a part of a counterintelligence probe by the FBI, the US home intelligence company.
The AP reported that Rocha was charged in a federal court docket in Miami, Florida, and that he’s anticipated to look in court docket on Monday.
The web site of the US Division of State says that Rocha was sworn in as ambassador to Bolivia on July 14, 2000.
In 2002 he intervened in Bolivia’s presidential race, warning that the US would minimize off assist if Bolivians elected Evo Morales, a left-wing candidate and former coca leaf grower.
Rocha’s speech, interpreted as an effort to form the end result of an election in a area the place the US has an extended historical past of subterfuge and interference, angered Bolivians and helped propel Morales to victory.
Since retiring from authorities service, Rocha has began a brand new profession because the president of a Dominican gold mine owned partly by Canada’s Barrick Gold that has been accused of environmental degradation, the AP reported.
The corporate has additionally confronted allegations that it was complicit in extrajudicial killings in Tanzania.