Former US Ambassador Charged as Cuban Spy in ‘Longest-Lasting Infiltration’ of US Government
In a shocking revelation, a former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia and a National Security Council member, Victor Manuel Rocha, has been charged with working against the U.S. government for communist Cuba in what Attorney General Merrick B. Garland describes as “one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the United States government by a foreign agent.” Rocha allegedly served as an agent of the Cuban government for over 40 years, obtaining positions within the United States government that granted him access to non-public information and the ability to influence U.S. foreign policy.
Rocha’s covert career began in 1980 and lasted until his arrest in 2012, marking a stunning fall from grace. Born in Colombia, Rocha is a naturalized U.S. citizen who secretly supported Cuba’s “clandestine intelligence-gathering mission” against the United States. Working as a covert agent for Cuba’s General Directorate of Intelligence, Rocha used his employment in the U.S. Department of State between 1981 and 2002 to obtain classified information and manipulate U.S. foreign policy.
After leaving the Department of State, Rocha continued his clandestine activities by transferring as an advisor to the Commander of the U.S. Southern Command in 2006. The complaint filed by the Department of Justice alleges that Rocha kept his Cuban agent status hidden to protect himself and others involved while engaging in additional covert operations.
To maintain his secret status, Rocha provided false and misleading information to the U.S., traveled outside the country to meet with Cuban intelligence operatives, and made false statements to obtain travel documents. The extent of his loyalty to Cuba was revealed through recorded admissions made to an undercover FBI agent posing as a Cuban intelligence operative who reached out to Rocha on WhatsApp. In these conversations, Rocha praised Fidel Castro, referred to the U.S. as the “enemy,” and boasted about his service as a Cuban mole within U.S. foreign policy circles for over 40 years.
As a result of his actions, Rocha has been charged with conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General, acting as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General, and using a passport obtained by false statement. During a hearing in federal court in Miami, Rocha indicated that he will plead guilty to two charges of conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government, leading prosecutors to dismiss numerous other charges.
This shocking case serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and loyalty in government positions. Those who have the privilege of serving in the government of the United States are entrusted with an enormous amount of responsibility and must uphold their allegiance to the country they serve. Rocha’s betrayal of this trust will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.
The case also sheds light on the enduring influence of foreign intelligence agencies and the lengths they go to infiltrate and gather information from foreign governments. The fact that Rocha was able to operate undetected for over four decades highlights the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in identifying and neutralizing such threats.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder that even those in the highest positions of power can be susceptible to manipulation and espionage. The implications of Rocha’s actions are far-reaching, and it is crucial for the U.S. government to reevaluate its security measures and ensure that such infiltrations do not occur in the future.
In the end, this case serves as a wake-up call for the United States, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and robust security measures to protect against foreign threats. As Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “To betray that trust by falsely pledging loyalty to the United States while serving a foreign power is a crime that will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.” The implications of this case will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the U.S. government and intelligence community, prompting a renewed commitment to safeguarding national security and upholding the integrity of public service.
