This undated image provided by the Justice Department and contained in the affidavit in support of a criminal complaint, shows Manuel Rocha during a meeting with a FBI undercover employee. (PHOTO / AP)

WASHINGTON — A former career American diplomat, who served as ambassador to Bolivia, has been charged with working as an agent of the Cuban government for more than 40 years.

Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, is accused of helping Cuba gather intelligence against the United States since 1981. His two-decade career as a US diplomat included top posts in Bolivia, Argentina and the US Interests Section in Havana.

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Rocha was arrested by the FBI at his Miami home Friday and was ordered held following Monday's brief court appearance pending a bond hearing Wednesday. His attorney declined to comment.

Prosecutors called the case one of the most long-running betrayals in the history of the US foreign service.