The Miss Universe Organisation is embroiled in a major international crisis as its co-owners face serious legal action on two continents. Arrest warrants have been issued for Thai businesswoman Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip and Mexican entrepreneur Raúl Rocha Cantú, casting a dark shadow over the recently concluded pageant in Bangkok.
Thai Mogul Faces Fraud Allegations
In Thailand, the Bangkok South Civil Court issued an arrest warrant for Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip on 26 November. The warrant was triggered after she failed to appear for a court hearing on 25 November related to an ongoing fraud case. According to reports, the case was initiated by Raweewat Maschamado, who alleges that Jakrajutatip persuaded him to buy corporate bonds from her company, JKN Global Group, despite the company's alleged inability to repay them. This resulted in claimed losses of 30 million baht (£704,322).
Jakrajutatip was initially charged in 2023 and released on bail. However, the court now considers her a flight risk due to her non-appearance. The hearing has been rescheduled for 26 December, though her current whereabouts are unknown. Notably, she was absent from the 74th Miss Universe pageant earlier this month, despite being the organisation's largest shareholder.
This legal trouble is part of broader financial difficulties for JKN. The Associated Press reported that the company began defaulting on investor payments in 2023 and entered a debt rehabilitation process with the Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024. JKN's total debt is approximately 3 billion baht (£70.43m). Jakrajutatip resigned from all executive positions in June after being accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of falsifying the company's 2023 financial statements, though she retained her ownership stake.
Mexican Co-owner Under Investigation for Trafficking
Meanwhile, in Mexico, co-owner Raúl Rocha Cantú is the target of a federal investigation into allegations of drugs, arms, and fuel trafficking. Prosecutors allege he is part of a cross-border criminal network smuggling contraband from Guatemala into Mexico. The Attorney General's Office confirmed that an individual referred to as "Raúl R" is under investigation, and a federal agent identified this person as Raúl Rocha Cantú.
A federal judge approved 13 arrest orders in the case earlier this month, though officials have not confirmed if one was specifically issued for Cantú. The businessman has not made any public statement regarding these serious allegations.
Pageant Rocked by Pre-Existing Controversies
The legal actions against its owners represent a new low for the Miss Universe Organisation, which was already navigating a turbulent period. The 2024 final in Bangkok on 21 November was overshadowed by several incidents.
A public confrontation between eventual winner Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, and Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil sparked a walk-out by multiple contestants. Footage showed Itsaragrisil berating Bosch for failing to post promotional content, leading Bosch to assert he was not "respecting me as a woman." In solidarity, other contestants, including former title-holder Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, left the event.
Cantú, as the organisation's president, released a statement at the time vowing not to allow "the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated." Itsaragrisil later apologised to "anyone who feels bad, uncomfortable, or affected" by his actions.
Further complicating matters, several judges resigned hours before the final, with one accusing organisers of rigging the selection process. The event was also marred by a safety incident when Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage during the evening gown round and had to be removed on a stretcher.
The Independent has contacted the Miss Universe Organisation for comment on the escalating legal crises facing its leadership.
