Manuel Rocha, aged 73, a former American diplomat and the ex-US ambassador to Bolivia, has been taken into custody in Miami as part of an extensive FBI counterintelligence inquiry. Allegations suggest that Rocha, who served as a diplomat during both Democratic and Republican administrations, acted as an undisclosed agent for the Cuban government. The arrest transpired on Friday, and further details about the case are anticipated to be revealed during a court appearance on Monday. According to anonymous sources familiar with the matter, the criminal complaint accuses Rocha of advancing the interests of the Cuban government. Legal requirements dictate that individuals engaging in political activities on behalf of a foreign government within the United States must register with the Justice Department. This enforcement of illicit foreign lobbying has seen increased scrutiny in recent years.
While the Justice Department refrained from commenting on the case, it remains unclear whether Rocha has legal representation. The law firm where he was previously employed stated that it is not representing him, and Rocha's wife abruptly ended communication with the Associated Press when contacted.
Rocha's diplomatic career spanned 25 years, with assignments under various administrations and a focus on Latin America during the Cold War era. His tenure included diplomatic posts in Argentina during a critical period of economic and political turmoil and an assignment at the US Interests Section in Cuba when diplomatic relations with Fidel Castro's government were incomplete. Born in Colombia, Rocha, raised in a working-class home in New York City, obtained liberal arts degrees from Yale, Harvard, and Georgetown before joining the foreign service in 1981.
His role as the top US diplomat in Argentina coincided with a currency stabilization program supported by Washington, which faced challenges due to significant foreign debt and economic stagnation, leading to a political crisis. Rocha's subsequent post as the ambassador to Bolivia involved direct involvement in the 2002 presidential race, where he issued warnings about US assistance being cut off if the country elected Evo Morales, a former coca grower. This move generated controversy and contributed to Morales' eventual election three years later.
Rocha's diplomatic career extended to Italy, Honduras, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, and he served as a Latin America expert for the National Security Council. Following his retirement from the State Department, he pursued a business career, including roles as president of a gold mine in the Dominican Republic and senior positions in Pennsylvania-based coal exporter XCoal, cannabis industry facilitator Clover Leaf Capital, law firm Foley & Lardner, and Spanish public relations firms Llorente & Cuenca. Foley & Lardner confirmed Rocha's departure from the firm in August, while Llorente & Cuenca's US operations expressed a commitment to transparency and willingness to cooperate with authorities if necessary. XCoal and Clover Leaf Capital are yet to respond to requests for comment.
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