The prestigious Miss Universe organization finds itself embroiled in a major international scandal as its co-owner and president faces serious criminal allegations that threaten to overshadow the recent pageant results.
Serious Criminal Allegations Surface
Raul Rocha, who serves as both Miss Universe president and a Guatemalan consul in Mexico, has been charged by Mexico's Attorney General's Office with trafficking drugs, weapons, and fuel between Guatemala and Mexico. According to reports from Mexican newspaper Reforma, the allegations paint a disturbing picture of criminal enterprise operating behind the scenes of the global beauty pageant.
The timing of these charges adds another layer of controversy to an already turbulent Miss Universe competition, coming just days after Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch received her crown following weeks of scandal and disruption surrounding the event.
Detailed Accusations and Criminal Operations
Prosecutors allege that Rocha leads a criminal organization that smuggles fuel through the Usumacinta River using boats, then transfers the contraband to trucks destined for Queretaro, Mexico. An arrest warrant was formally requested on August 6 in connection with organized crime charges related to drugs and firearms trafficking.
During raids on several residences, federal agents claim to have obtained financial records showing monetary contributions from Rocha to the criminal enterprise, including one transaction totaling 2.1 million pesos (approximately C$160,000). The arrest warrant obtained by Reforma indicates that members of Rocha's alleged syndicate have connections with politicians and authorities at all three levels of government to facilitate their operations.
In a surprising development, Rocha allegedly approached the Attorney General's Office last month to negotiate a plea bargain, offering information in exchange for immunity from prosecution according to federal sources.
Co-Owner Also Faces Legal Troubles
Adding to the organization's woes, Miss Universe's other co-owner Jakapong "Anne" Jakrajutatip faces her own legal challenges in Thailand. The 46-year-old CEO has had an arrest warrant issued in connection with a fraud case after failing to appear at a civil hearing.
The Bangkok South Civil Court deemed Jakrajutatip a flight risk after she didn't notify the court of her absence. Her legal troubles date back to 2023 when plastic surgeon Raweewat Maschamadol sued her and her company JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd. for allegedly defrauding him during corporate bond sales.
Maschamadol claims Jakrajutatip convinced him to invest despite knowing about her inability to return the money within the appointed time. Jakrajutatip resigned from all company positions this past June after being accused of falsifying the company's 2023 financial statements by Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission.
Miss Universe's Troubled Ownership History
The pageant's current ownership situation has been marked by controversy since JKN Global Group, founded by Jakrajutatip in 2013, acquired the rights from IMG Worldwide LLC in 2022. The following year, the company sold half of its Miss Universe shares to Legacy Holding Group USA, which is owned by Rocha.
Jakrajutatip's whereabouts remain unclear, and she was notably absent from last week's Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok. Her absence added to the growing list of scandals that plagued this year's competition, including contestants walking out of a pre-pageant event after an executive engaged in a disrespectful exchange with the eventual winner, Miss Mexico.
The competition also saw a judge resign from the panel days before the event, alleging that an impromptu jury with personal ties to contestants had already predetermined which competitors would advance from the field of 136 women.
As the Miss Universe organization grapples with these serious allegations against its leadership, the future of one of the world's most famous beauty pageants remains uncertain, with criminal charges casting a long shadow over what should have been a celebration of global culture and achievement.
