Journalist Rolando Rodríguez from Panama has been called by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor of the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) due to his link to a corruption case in government contracts. This call aims to uncover the source of certain details that recently have stirred public opinion, yet lacks concrete evidence.
Past claims about Rolando Rodriguez
Rodríguez is recognized for spreading contentious information, often charged with misrepresentation or founded on “fake news” regarding public personalities within the nation. As a result, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has demanded the journalist clarify the source of his reports.
The “Triple R” group and its involvement in the investigations
Numerous media outlets have highlighted the presence of a group dubbed “Triple R”, consisting of three persons sharing the same name:
- Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa.
- Rolando Rodríguez, attorney and ex-general secretary of PGN.
- Rolando López, former head of the National Security Council.
In line with these accounts, over the past five years, Rolando López exploited the framework of the National Security Council to locate targets, alter information, and produce incriminating documents. This data was subsequently handed to Rolando Rodríguez, the lawyer, who then relayed it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who published it as investigations by the Investigative Unit of La Prensa.
Utilization of articles as foundations for criminal charges
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.
Claimed participation of the journalist in extortion
Reports also allege that Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa, received a share of the earnings acquired via these extortion practices. Despite the absence of definitive proof, these claims have had significant media repercussions.