Raúl Rocha Cantú, president and 50% owner of the Miss Universe Organization, faces criminal charges from Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) for involvement in a multinational trafficking network.
Mexican newspaper Reforma reported on November 26 that prosecutors allege Rocha led a criminal organization smuggling drugs, weapons, and stolen fuel between Guatemala and Mexico. An arrest warrant was formally requested on August 6 by Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime.
Fuel Smuggling Operation Details
According to Mexican authorities, Rocha’s alleged operation smuggled fuel via boats across the Usumacinta River from Guatemala, then transported it by truck through Chiapas and Tabasco to Querétaro, Mexico.
Prosecutors allege the same criminal network supplied firearms to drug cartels across multiple Mexican states and trafficked narcotics. During raids on several properties, investigators discovered financial documents showing monetary contributions from Rocha totaling 2.1 million pesos, approximately $114,405.
Governmental Connections and Consular Position Revoked
The arrest warrant obtained by Reforma states that members of Rocha’s organization “have connections with politicians and authorities at all three levels of government” to facilitate “the sale of hydrocarbons, narcotics, and the trafficking and sale of large quantities of weapons of war.”
Rocha served as Guatemala’s Honorary Consul in Toluca, Mexico, until Guatemala revoked his position on November 27, 2025, following the criminal investigation announcement. Some reports link the operation to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and La Unión Tepiti.
Rocha Denies Allegations and Seeks Plea Deal
Raúl Rocha publicly denied the allegations, telling Spanish media outlet El País: “It is completely false that I have an arrest warrant.” However, in October 2025, Rocha reportedly approached the FGR, seeking a plea bargain, and offered information in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
Legal experts suggest potential cooperation could result in reduced penalties depending on his willingness to testify against others implicated in the alleged network.
Thai Co-Owner Faces Fraud Arrest Warrant
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the Thai transgender media mogul who owns the other 50% of Miss Universe through JKN Global Group, faces a legal crisis in Thailand.
The Bangkok South Civil Court issued an arrest warrant for Jakrajutatip on November 26, 2025, after she failed to appear for a scheduled hearing. The court deemed her a flight risk, with her whereabouts unknown as of November 28, 2025.
Fraud Case Details in Thailand
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by plastic surgeon Raweewat Maschamadol, who accuses Jakrajutatip and JKN of defrauding him of 30 million baht, approximately $930,362.
According to the Bangkok South Civil Court, Maschamadol alleges that he was persuaded to purchase corporate bonds in 2023, despite JKN knowing that the company could not repay the investment. The court rescheduled the hearing for December 26, 2025.
SEC Accusations and Financial Collapse
Jakrajutatip’s legal troubles extend beyond the fraud case. In June 2025, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission filed criminal complaints against Jakrajutatip for falsifying JKN’s 2023 financial statements. She resigned from all company positions but remains the largest shareholder.
JKN Global Group filed for bankruptcy and entered debt rehabilitation in November 2023, revealing a net loss of 2.1 billion baht.
Miss Universe 2025 Concludes Successfully Despite Scandal
Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on November 21 at IMPACT Challenger Hall 2 in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand.
Bosch prevailed among delegates from 136 countries and territories, advancing through semifinal competition with over 120 international contestants competing in the preliminaries. The pageant proceeded as scheduled, despite ongoing organizational controversies and management disputes.
Executive’s Public Confrontation with Contestant
During a November 4 livestreamed sashing ceremony, Nawat Itsaragrisil, executive director of Miss Universe Organization, publicly berated Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch for allegedly not supporting Thailand’s pageant interests.
When Bosch stood to defend herself, Itsaragrisil called security to remove her from the room, then directed the remaining contestants: “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down. If you step out, the rest of the girls will continue.” Fátima responded, “Because I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman,” prompting multiple contestants to walk out.
Judge Omar Harfouch Resigns with Rigging Allegations
Lebanese-French composer Omar Harfouch resigned from the judging panel days before the final, alleging an “impromptu jury” had predetermined the top 30 semifinalists from 121 delegates two days before the competition.
Harfouch stated: “After having a disrespectful conversation with Raul Rocha about the lack of transparency in the Miss Universe voting process, I decided to resign from the jury and refuse to be part of this charade.” Harfouch also claimed Rocha pressured him to vote for Bosch due to business dealings with her father.
Additional Judge Resignation and Organization’s Denial
Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makélélé resigned from the judging panel, citing personal reasons. Makélélé wrote: “It is with regret that I must announce that I won’t be able to attend the Miss Universe 2025 event due to unforeseen personal reasons.
This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard.” The Miss Universe Organization denied all allegations of rigging, stating transparent protocols governed the competition.
Miss Jamaica’s Stage Fall and Ongoing Medical Recovery
Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Jamaica, suffered a fall from the stage during a preliminary evening gown competition on November 19. She was hospitalized in Bangkok and required intensive care recovery.
On November 24, Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha stated: “The latest medical report confirms that Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge from a hospital in Bangkok.” However, her family indicated on November 24 that she “isn’t doing as well as we would have hoped” and would require at least another week in intensive care.
Multiple Contestants Resign from Titles
Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire, crowned Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, resigned on November 24, stating: “My values and work ethics do not align with those of the National Director.
My commitment is to women’s empowerment and equality, and I will continue this work independently, without any further association with Miss Universe.” Miss Estonia Brigitta Schaback also resigned on November 23, citing misalignment with pageant leadership and organizational culture.
Mexican President Celebrates Bosch’s Defiance
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated Fátima Bosch’s victory as a triumph for women’s empowerment. Sheinbaum stated, “I like that she spoke up when she felt that was an injustice, and that is an example.
That thing they said about being prettier when you’re quiet has been left behind. Women are prettier when we speak and participate.” Her home state of Tabasco held celebrations as thousands watched the competition at a local baseball stadium.
Miss Universe 2026 Confirmed for Puerto Rico Despite Ownership Crisis
Despite ownership scandals and ongoing criminal proceedings, Miss Universe announced Puerto Rico will host the 75th Anniversary pageant in November 2026. The event will take place at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
The Miss Universe Organization states it operates independently from owner legal matters and remains committed to its empowerment mission.
Sources:
Mexican newspaper Reforma (criminal investigation, arrest warrant details, fuel smuggling allegations, cartel connections)
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (criminal charges, August 6 warrant request)
Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINEX) (Honorary Consul revocation, November 27, 2025)
Bangkok South Civil Court (arrest warrant issuance, fraud case details, hearing dates)
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC criminal complaints, financial statement falsification)
Miss Universe Organization official statements (pageant operations, organizational independence, medical updates)
AP News, Reuters, People Magazine, BBC (pageant coverage, contestant resignations, judge departures, coronation details)