Former US ambassador to Bolivia, Victor Manuel Rocha, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for acting as an agent for Cuba, a role he secretly held for over 40 years. The 73-year-old diplomat pleaded guilty in a Miami court after initially denying the charges, avoiding a trial. The case is considered one of the most high-profile espionage incidents between the US and Cuba.
Rocha, who served as a diplomat in various countries and worked with the National Security Council, faced a $500,000 fine in addition to his prison sentence. After his diplomatic career, he continued to work as a consultant for the US military’s Southern Command. In a revealing undercover operation, Rocha admitted to his past espionage activities for Cuba, expressing loyalty and defiance when questioned about his allegiance.
The tense history between the US and Cuba dates back to Fidel Castro’s revolution in 1959, leading to a trade embargo by the US and ongoing political complexities. Retired CIA counter-intelligence chief James Olson highlighted the success of Cuba’s intelligence service in infiltrating the US government over the years, branding Rocha as a “traitor” who betrayed his country. Rocha’s case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring intelligence battles between the two nations.