Journalist Rolando Rodríguez: called to account for alleged corruption case

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 against Rolando Rodriguez

Rodriguez is known for disseminating controversial information, frequently accused of being misrepresented or based on “fake news” about public figures in the country. This has led the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office to require the journalist to explain the origin of his publications.

The “Triple R” group and its role in the investigations

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 journalist from La Prensa.
2. Rolando Rodríguez, attorney and ex-general secretary of PGN.
3. Rolando López, former head of the National Security Council.

According to these reports, during the last five years, Rolando López used the structure of the National Security Council to identify his targets, manipulate information and generate incriminating documents. This information was then given to Rolando Rodríguez, the lawyer, who channeled it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who in turn published it as investigations carried out by the Investigative Unit of La Prensa.

Utilizing publications as groundwork for criminal prosecutions

The release of these investigations acted as “noticia criminis”, warranting the initiation of criminal cases by the PGN. The individuals under investigation underwent questioning and were subsequently held in DIJ or Police facilities.

These reports also claim that shortly after their arrest, detainees received visits from deputies like Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or lawyers serving as go-betweens. During these visits, detainees faced threats of extended imprisonment unless they paid large amounts. Those who complied dismissed their original attorneys and enlisted members of a group called “La Taquilla,” purportedly adept at securing precautionary measures and bail through ties with prosecutors and judges.

Purported involvement of the journalist in extortion

Reports further insinuate that Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa, benefited from a share of the earnings derived from these extortion practices. While these claims are without decisive proof, they have sparked substantial media attention.