By Charles Pemu 
The Miss Universe organization has been thrust into a profound international scandal as both of its co-owners confront severe criminal allegations just days after the 2025 competition was concluded in Thailand.
The organization is jointly owned by Thai media mogul Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip and Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú.
In Thailand, an arrest warrant was reportedly issued on Wednesday for co-owner Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip in connection with a substantial $930,000 fraud case.
A plastic surgeon initiated the complaint, accusing the media mogul of fraud and concealing critical financial information to persuade investment in her company, JKN Global Group, which holds a stake in the pageant. Thai authorities issued the warrant after Jakrajutatip failed to appear in court as required. Jakrajutatip had previously resigned from all corporate executive positions in June 2025 following accusations of falsifying financial statements, though she remains the largest shareholder.
Mexican Co-Owner Investigated for Trafficking and Organized Crime
Concurrently, the federal prosecutor’s office in Mexico announced that the other co-owner, Raúl Rocha Cantú, is currently under official investigation for alleged involvement in organized crime activities, specifically encompassing arms, drug, and fuel trafficking.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that key information is being obtained to deepen the investigation. While the agency refrained from officially naming the targets of active arrest warrants, Mexican media reports indicate that Rocha is among those sought by police in connection with the case, which has already resulted in warrants being issued for thirteen defendants. Rocha, who serves as the President of the Miss Universe Organization, recently stated in a public interview that he was growing dissatisfied with the pageant controversies and intended to sell his stake in the company.
These severe legal developments compound a deeply controversial period for the Miss Universe organization. The recent competition in Thailand was marred by significant public drama, which included a public confrontation between a host and the eventual winner, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch Fernández. Furthermore, several judges withdrew from the competition, with one alleging that the contest was potentially rigged. Local media also raised allegations concerning Rocha Cantú’s purported business dealings with the father of the newly-crowned Miss Universe, a claim the father has publicly denied.