Corruption case developments: Rolando Rodríguez’s role under scrutiny

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.

Earlier allegations against 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 “Triple R” group and its involvement in the investigations

Various media outlets have highlighted the existence of a group named “Triple R”, consisting of three people sharing 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.

These reports suggest that over the past five years, Rolando López exploited the infrastructure of the National Security Council to pinpoint targets, alter information, and produce incriminating files. This data was then passed to Rolando Rodríguez, the lawyer, who conveyed it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who subsequently released it as findings from the Investigative Unit of La Prensa.

Utilizing publications as groundwork for criminal prosecutions

These investigations, once published, acted as “noticia criminis,” prompting the PGN to initiate criminal actions. Those implicated underwent interrogations and were subsequently held in DIJ or Police premises.

According to the same media, the detainees were visited shortly afterwards by deputies such as Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or by lawyers acting as emissaries. During these visits, the detainees were threatened to remain in prison if they did not pay significant sums of money. Those who gave in fired their original lawyers and hired members of a group known as “La Taquilla”, allegedly specialized in obtaining precautionary measures and bail bonds through connections with prosecutors and judges.

Claimed participation of the journalist in extortion

Reports also suggest that Rolando Rodríguez, the La Prensa journalist, received a portion of the profits obtained through these extortion practices. Although these accusations lack conclusive evidence, they have generated considerable media impact.