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Former ambassador to Bolivia indicted for alleged decades-long collaboration with Cuban intelligence companies.
The US Division of Justice (DOJ) has indicted a former US ambassador to Bolivia for allegedly working as an secret agent for Cuban intelligence companies for many years.
In court docket paperwork launched Monday, the DOJ alleged that Manuel Rocha had participated in “clandestine actions” with the Cuban authorities since no less than 1981, sharing false data with the U.S. and assembly with Cuban brokers.
The 73-year-old former ambassador spent 25 years within the US Overseas Service and held high positions in South American nations reminiscent of Bolivia and Argentina.
The case in opposition to Rocha “exposes one of the vital far-reaching and longest infiltrations of the U.S. authorities by a overseas agent,” Lawyer Normal Merrick Garland stated in a press release explaining the allegations.
“Those that have the privilege of serving in the USA authorities obtain great belief from the general public we serve,” Garland stated.
“Beating that belief by falsely pledging allegiance to the USA whereas serving a overseas energy is a criminal offense that can be fought with the complete pressure of the Division of Justice.”
The DOJ has accused Rocha of performing as an unlawful agent of a overseas authorities. U.S. legislation requires these performing 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 investigation by the FBI, the US home intelligence company.
The AP reported that Rocha has been charged in federal court docket in Miami, Florida, and is anticipated to look in court docket on Monday.
The US Division of State web site 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 lower support if Bolivians elected Evo Morales, a left-wing candidate and former coca leaf grower.
Rocha’s speech, interpreted as an try to form the end result of elections in a area the place the US has a protracted 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 as president of a Dominican gold mine partly owned 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.
Former US ambassador accused of performing as a undercover agent for Cuba | Spy information
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