Miss Universe Co-owners Under Scrutiny Following Pageant
The Miss Universe Organization is currently embroiled in significant legal challenges, with both of its co-owners facing serious allegations in separate international investigations. Raúl Rocha Cantú, the Mexican co-owner and president of the organization, is under investigation in Mexico for alleged involvement in a criminal network. Concurrently, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the Thai media mogul and other co-owner, has an arrest warrant issued against her in Thailand on fraud charges. These developments come just days after the conclusion of the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, which was itself marked by various controversies.
Mexican Co-owner Investigated for Organized Crime
In Mexico, Raúl Rocha Cantú is being investigated by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) for his alleged role in a sprawling criminal network. Reports indicate that an arrest warrant was requested for Rocha Cantú on August 6 by Yazmín Mayoral Marín, an agent in Mexico's Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO). He is accused of leading an organization involved in the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and fuel between Guatemala and Mexico. Specifically, investigators allege his network smuggles fuel via the Usumacinta River and traffics firearms from Guatemala, purportedly supplying criminal groups such as the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación and La Unión de Tepito. While Rocha Cantú has denied wrongdoing, he has reportedly entered a witness-cooperation agreement.
Thai Co-owner Faces Arrest Warrant for Fraud
Meanwhile, in Thailand, an arrest warrant has been issued for Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip. The warrant stems from allegations of fraud, with a plastic surgeon accusing her of concealing information to induce investment in her company, JKN Global Group, which co-owns Miss Universe. Jakrajutatip failed to appear in a Bangkok court for a scheduled verdict, leading the court to deem her a flight risk and issue the arrest warrant. Her current whereabouts are unknown. JKN Global Group has faced significant financial difficulties, including defaulting on payments to investors and filing for rehabilitation with a Thai bankruptcy court.
Broader Pageant Controversies and Allegations
The legal troubles of the co-owners have intensified an already tumultuous period for the Miss Universe Organization. The 2025 pageant itself was plagued by controversies, including judge resignations, contestant disputes, and allegations of vote rigging. There were also reports of alleged business ties between Raúl Rocha Cantú and the father of the newly crowned Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, who is an executive at the state-owned oil company Pemex. Both Rocha Cantú and Bosch's father have denied these connections. These combined events have cast a shadow over the international beauty pageant.
5 Comments
lettlelenok
While it's important to shine a light on alleged misconduct at the top, one has to wonder about the impact this will have on the contestants and the future of the pageant itself. Many young women aspire to this platform, and its reputation is being severely damaged by these headlines.
Africa
The article highlights significant issues with the co-owners, which is concerning for the pageant's integrity and future. However, it also raises questions about how such individuals came to hold these positions in the first place, suggesting deeper systemic problems within the industry.
Bermudez
While these allegations are incredibly serious and warrant full investigation, it's sad to see the Miss Universe brand suffer when many participants are genuinely trying to do good. Hopefully, the organization can recover with new, ethical leadership.
ZmeeLove
It's crucial that justice is served if these claims of fraud and organized crime are true, but we must also remember that these are still allegations and legal battles are complex. The international legal process can be very slow and difficult to navigate.
Coccinella
Jumping to conclusions much? They're innocent until proven guilty, let due process happen.