Former U.S. ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha pleaded responsible to working for Cuba’s spy service for many years and was sentenced to fifteen years in jail. The case prosecutors described as one of many longest-running betrayals of the U.S. authorities in historical past rapidly got here to an finish with Rocha’s guilt. The plea deal was initially in query, however was later amended to incorporate restitution for potential victims and the potential of denaturalization as a civil motion. Rocha’s work for Cuba stays largely unknown, however he was not charged with espionage, as a substitute being accused of performing as a international agent. Born in Colombia, Rocha moved to the U.S. at a younger age and had a profitable profession inside the State Division.
Rocha’s profession spanned a number of a long time and included high-level positions and an ambassadorship in Bolivia. He warned towards electing leftist coca farmer, Evo Morales, as president of Bolivia, and later labored with the U.S. Southern Command advising on Cuba-related issues. His entry to prime secret info and compartmentalized authorities communications may have made him a precious asset to Cuba, in response to former colleagues. The State Division and intelligence group are assessing the attainable harm to nationwide safety on account of Rocha’s actions. Rocha’s lawyer didn’t reply to requests for remark.
The undercover investigation into Rocha’s actions started after a tip was acquired by the FBI in 2022. Rocha met with an spy whom he believed to be a consultant of Cuba’s spy company, and discussions revealed his allegiance to Cuba and disdain for the U.S. Rocha even met together with his Cuban handlers lately, making an attempt to guide a traditional life with a purpose to conceal his double id. Feeley, a former colleague of Rocha, described his shock at Rocha’s loyalty to Cuba, particularly given Rocha’s shift in direction of supporting Donald Trump in his later years. Rocha’s resignation in 2018 and eventual interplay with the FBI could have been pushed by a way of irrelevance or lack of goal after a protracted profession.
Rocha’s final assembly with the spy in Miami revealed his anger and dedication to his Cuban connections. Feeley famous that Rocha’s long-term involvement in espionage could have given him a way of goal all through his profession, and reaching out to the FBI could have been a technique to regain a way of significance. The shock of Rocha’s betrayal was evident amongst his former colleagues, who by no means suspected his double life. Rocha’s responsible plea and sentencing carry an finish to a posh case that has raised questions on nationwide safety and the extent of international infiltration inside the U.S. authorities.