Victor Manuel Rocha, the former United States Ambassador to Bolivia, has been handed a 15-year prison sentence for engaging in espionage against the American government for over a decade.

Rocha was found guilty of spying on behalf of Cuba, a case that has been described as one of the most extensive and enduring infiltrations of the US government by a foreign agent. The sentencing, carried out by US District Judge Beth Bloom in Miami, followed Rocha’s admission of guilt on two counts, including acting as an agent of a foreign government.

In addition to the prison term, Rocha was fined $500,000, the maximum penalty permitted. The December indictment against the former ambassador drew attention from Attorney General Merrick Garland, who emphasized the gravity of the situation.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “Today’s plea and sentencing marks the end of more than four decades of betrayal and deception by the defendant. Rocha admitted to serving as an agent of the Cuban government while simultaneously holding positions of trust within the US government. This is an astonishing betrayal of the American people and an admission that every oath he took to the United States was a falsehood.”

Rocha’s career spanned over 20 years in public service, during which he served as the ambassador to Bolivia from 2000 to 2002 and held prominent positions in various embassies, including the White House during the Bill Clinton administration.