Former US diplomat arrested, accused of working as secret agent for Cuba
MIAMI (AP) — Manuel Rocha, a former American diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, was arrested in Miami on Friday as part of an ongoing FBI counterintelligence investigation. The 73-year-old Rocha has been accused of secretly serving as an agent of Cuba’s government, according to two unnamed sources who spoke to The Associated Press.
Rocha’s arrest is based on a criminal complaint, and further details about the case are expected to be revealed at a court appearance on Monday. The accusations against Rocha involve working to promote the Cuban government’s interests, a violation of federal law that requires individuals conducting the political bidding of a foreign government to register with the Justice Department.
Rocha’s 25-year diplomatic career included diplomatic postings in Latin America, including a stint at the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba during a period when the U.S. lacked full diplomatic relations with Fidel Castro’s government.
His wife declined to comment when contacted by the AP. Rocha’s law firm also stated that they were not representing him.
Following his retirement from the State Department, Rocha pursued a second career in business, holding senior roles in various companies, including a gold mine in the Dominican Republic and several other corporations.
The Justice Department has declined to comment on the case, and it is unclear if Rocha has legal representation at this time.