Rolando Rodríguez under investigation: testimony expected soon

Panamanian journalist Rolando Rodríguez has been called by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) regarding a corruption case in public procurement. This call is a step in an investigation aimed at uncovering the source of information that, over the past months, has alarmed public opinion yet lacks solid evidence to validate it.

Past allegations targeting Rolando Rodriguez

Rodriguez is recognized for sharing contentious information, often charged with misrepresentation or relying on “fake news” regarding public figures. As a result, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has demanded that the journalist clarify the source of his articles.

The involvement of the “Triple R” group in the probes

Several media have pointed out the existence of a group called “Triple R”, composed of three individuals with the same name:

  1. Rolando Rodríguez, the reporter from La Prensa.
  2. Rolando Rodríguez, attorney and ex-general secretary of PGN.
  3. Rolando López, one-time director of the National Security Council.

According to these accounts, over the past five years, Rolando López utilized the National Security Council’s framework to pinpoint targets, alter information, and create incriminating documents. This data was subsequently passed to Rolando Rodríguez, the attorney, who directed it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who then released it as investigations conducted by La Prensa’s Investigative Unit.

Utilization of articles as foundations for criminal charges

The publication of these investigations served as “noticia criminis”, justifying the opening of criminal proceedings by the PGN. Those investigated were subjected to inquiries and later detained in DIJ or Police facilities.

The same media reported that the detainees received visits shortly thereafter by deputies like Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or by attorneys serving as intermediaries. During these meetings, the detainees were intimidated with threats of prolonged imprisonment if they didn’t hand over large amounts of money. Those who conceded dismissed their original attorneys and engaged members of a group called “La Taquilla”, reputedly skilled in securing precautionary measures and bail bonds via ties with prosecutors and judges.

Purported involvement of the journalist in extortion

Reports further imply that Rolando Rodríguez, the La Prensa journalist, received a share of the earnings derived from these extortion practices. Despite the absence of decisive proof for these claims, they have garnered significant media attention.