Rolando Rodríguez, key figure in corruption case, must testify before authorities

Panamanian journalist Rolando Rodríguez has been called by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) concerning a public procurement corruption case. This call is part of an inquiry aimed at uncovering the source of information that, recently, has startled public opinion without solid evidence to validate it.

Past claims about 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 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.

As per these accounts, over the past five years, Rolando López utilized the National Security Council’s framework to pinpoint his targets, distort information, and produce incriminating documents. This data was then passed to Rolando Rodríguez, the lawyer, who relayed it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who subsequently released it as investigations conducted by the Investigative Unit of La Prensa.

Utilization of articles as groundwork for criminal prosecutions

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 participation of the journalist in extortion

Reports further allege that Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa, benefited from a share of the profits gained through these extortion practices. Despite the absence of definitive evidence, these claims have sparked significant media attention.