In a shocking revelation, a distinguished American diplomat finds himself under the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) scrutiny.
Manuel Rocha, the former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, was recently arrested in Miami under accusations of clandestine activities on behalf of Cuba's government.
Rocha's diplomatic tenure saw him serve under both Democratic and Republican administrations. A notable chapter in his career was his assignment at the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba, a role that now casts a shadow in light of the recent allegations.
Rocha, who has had an illustrious career in diplomacy, was arrested on a criminal complaint, with more details expected to emerge in a court appearance scheduled for Monday. This news was reported by the Associated Press (AP), which obtained the information from anonymous sources.
The 73-year-old is suspected of acting in the interests of the Cuban government, a serious accusation that raises questions about his past activities during his tenure in the foreign service.
Current U.S. laws mandate that individuals engaged in political activities for a foreign nation are required to register with the Justice Department. This case has brought attention to the department's recent efforts to escalate its enforcement against unauthorized foreign lobbying.
Born in Colombia and raised in a working-class family in New York City, Rocha's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He holds degrees from prestigious institutions such as Yale, Harvard, and Georgetown, per AP.
His foray into the foreign service began in 1981, and he served in various roles across Latin America during a crucial period in Cold War history. His diplomatic career, which spanned both Democratic and Republican administrations, included an assignment at the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba.
His tenure as the top U.S. diplomat in Argentina coincided with the collapse of a major economic stabilization program, leading to political unrest in the country. As the ambassador to Bolivia, he famously intervened in the 2002 presidential election, threatening to withhold U.S. aid if Evo Morales, a former coca grower, was elected.
Following his retirement from diplomatic service, Rocha transitioned into business and held positions in various industries, including mining, legal services, and public relations. This move diversified his professional portfolio but also raised questions about potential avenues for unauthorized foreign lobbying.
The Justice Department has yet to comment on Rocha's case and attempts to reach Rocha for comments were unsuccessful.
The tension grows as the public awaits further details about the case, which is expected to come to light during Rocha's court appearance on Monday.
