Former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha, has been arrested by federal authorities in Miami on Friday for allegedly working as a secret agent for the Cuban government. The 73-year-old diplomat is facing criminal charges, with further details of the case expected to be revealed at his court appearance on Monday.
The arrest of Rocha, who served as a U.S. ambassador to Bolivia under both Democratic and Republican administrations, comes as a surprise to many in the diplomatic community. According to the Associated Press (AP), sources have disclosed that Rocha was arrested following a complaint made to the Justice Department, accusing him of acting in the interests of the Cuban government without registering as a foreign agent.
Under U.S. law, individuals who engage in lobbying or promoting the interests of a foreign government or entity inside the U.S. are required to register with the Justice Department. In recent years, the department has increased its criminal enforcement of illicit foreign lobbying.
The complaint against Rocha alleges that he had been actively promoting the interests of the Cuban government, working covertly to further their political agenda in the U.S. The length and seniority of his diplomatic career makes this an especially concerning case.
Rocha’s 25-year career in diplomacy was largely focused on Latin American countries, including Bolivia, where he served as an ambassador. He also held diplomatic positions in Honduras, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, and worked as a Latin America expert for the National Security Council. His extensive experience and expertise in the region may have made him a valuable asset for the Cuban government.
Rocha’s wife, Karla Wittkop Rocha, declined to comment on her husband’s arrest when contacted by the AP, simply stating, “I don’t need to talk to you,” before hanging up. The Justice Department has also declined to comment on the case, citing its ongoing investigation.
The arrest of a former U.S. diplomat for allegedly working as a secret agent for another country is a rare and serious event. It raises concerns about possible breaches of national security and the integrity of the U.S. diplomatic corps. The details of the case, as well as the evidence against Rocha, will likely be revealed in the coming days as the court proceedings progress.
It remains to be seen how this case will impact U.S.-Cuban relations and diplomatic protocols. In the past, the two countries have had a tumultuous relationship, with diplomatic ties being severed in 1961 and only restored in 2015. This arrest may further complicate the already complex dynamics between the two nations.
For now, all eyes will be on Rocha’s court appearance on Monday, where more details about the case are expected to be made public. This latest development serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in diplomatic relations, and the consequences of violating the laws and regulations in place to maintain them.