Miss Universe organizers in Mexico and Thailand accused of fraud and trafficking

The recent Miss Universe competition has been engulfed in controversy just days after concluding, as the pageant's co-owners face serious legal accusations. The Mexican co-owner is under investigation for alleged drug and arms trafficking, while the Thai co-owner is accused of fraud.

The 2025 Miss Universe contest wrapped up last week in Thailand, with Miss Mexico emerging as the winner amid a series of dramatic incidents, including a public confrontation between her and the event host.

On Wednesday, a Thai court official confirmed to AFP that an arrest warrant had been issued the previous day against Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the media mogul and co-owner of the pageant, for alleged fraud amounting to $930,000. The accusations involve a plastic surgeon who claims Jakapong misled him and hid key details when convincing him to invest in her company, JKN Global Group, which co-owns the contest.

On the same day, Mexico's federal prosecutor announced that Raul Rocha Cantu, the pageant's Mexican co-owner, is being investigated for drug, arms, and fuel trafficking. The prosecutor's office stated, "Key information is being obtained that will allow the federal public prosecutor's office to continue and delve deeper into this investigation." Authorities have reportedly issued arrest warrants for 13 suspects, with local media indicating Rocha is among them.

Mexican news outlets also linked Rocha to alleged business dealings with Fatima Boschs father, Bernando Bosch, a senior executive at Pemex. Bernando Bosch denied any involvement.

Fatima Bosch gained attention for her bold actions during the competition, including a dramatic walkout from a meeting with the pageant's Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, who publicly criticized her for not posting promotional content on social media. Bosch's defiance earned praise from many, including Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

The 25-year-old beauty queen later revealed she had faced "insults, attacks, and even death threats" related to allegations regarding her fathers connections to the pageant.

Previously, Miss Universe was owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In 2022, Jakapong's JKN Global Group purchased the pageant for $20 million, later selling half of her stake to Rocha Cantu's Legacy Holding Group USA for $16 million.

Analysis: Miss Universe Scandal Raises Questions About Integrity of the Pageant

The Miss Universe competition, which concluded just days ago, has become the center of a growing scandal. Allegations against the pageant's co-owners have ignited a legal firestorm, casting a shadow over the event’s recent conclusion. The accusations—ranging from drug trafficking to fraud—are raising concerns about the future of the pageant and its leadership.

Legal proceedings in both Mexico and Thailand have placed co-owners Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip and Raul Rocha Cantu in the spotlight. Jakapong is facing charges of fraud related to a $930,000 scheme involving a plastic surgeon, while Rocha is being investigated for involvement in drug, arms, and fuel trafficking. These legal troubles could have far-reaching implications, not only for the credibility of the competition but also for its long-term viability.

While Miss Mexico’s victory made headlines, the focus has now shifted to the owners and their alleged criminal activities. The accusations come at a time when the pageant is already dealing with internal drama, including a high-profile dispute between Fatima Bosch and the Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil. Bosch’s public confrontation with Itsaragrisil over promotional duties, followed by threats against her life, has added fuel to an already volatile situation.

The question remains: what does this scandal mean for the future of Miss Universe? With both co-owners embroiled in serious legal battles, the pageant’s reputation is at risk. Given the nature of these accusations, it is crucial for both Jakapong and Rocha to address the charges transparently. Without a clear resolution, the once-esteemed competition could face lasting damage.

Sources:

• Miss Universe owners in Mexico, Thailand hit with fraud, trafficking claims