FOLLOW US

The Miss Universe Organization is celebrating the crowning of Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, yet the historic moment has been clouded by sweeping criminal investigations into the organization’s leadership, ownership, and internal conduct.

 Bosch’s victory on November 21 in Bangkok—after competing against 136 countries—should have signaled a unifying global celebration. Instead, it arrives amid allegations of fraud, fuel smuggling, rigged judging, and unprecedented resignations that have plunged the pageant into crisis.

Miss Universe 2025 controversy: Owner Raúl Rocha faces criminal charges in Mexico, report says

Miss Universe org denies it has new Thai owners | GMA News Online

Criminal Charges Against President Raúl Rocha Cantú

At the heart of the turmoil is Raúl Rocha Cantú, the president and 50% owner of the Miss Universe Organization, who now faces criminal charges for allegedly heading a multinational trafficking ring. 

According to reporting from Reforma and Guatemala Business Daily, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has accused Rocha of orchestrating a smuggling operation involving drugs, weapons, and stolen fuel transported between Guatemala and Mexico.

Mexican prosecutors say the network transported fuel by boat across the Usumacinta River before trucking it through Chiapas and Tabasco and into Querétaro. A formal arrest warrant was issued on August 6 by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime.

During raids, investigators uncovered financial records showing 2.1 million pesos in contributions from Rocha—funds prosecutors claim tie directly to the smuggling operation. The warrant notes that members of Rocha’s network had connections to politicians and authorities, enabling the sale of hydrocarbons, narcotics trafficking, and weapons distribution. Some reports suggest possible links to major cartels active across several Mexican states.

Co-Owner Anne Jakrajutatip Faces Fraud Allegations and Arrest Warrant

Legal troubles extend beyond Mexico. Thai businesswoman Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, who owns the remaining 50% of the organization through JKN Global Group, is grappling with a series of severe criminal and civil allegations in Thailand.

The Bangkok South Civil Court issued an arrest warrant for her on November 26, 2025, after she failed to appear for a mandated hearing. As reported by GMA News Online (link) and other Southeast Asian outlets, she has been deemed a flight risk, and her current whereabouts remain unknown.

31/ATLAS Ice Volcanoes: New Images Reveal Cryovolcanic Activity on Interstellar Visitor - USA Herald

The warrant stems from a lawsuit filed by plastic surgeon Dr. Raweewat Maschamadol, who accuses Jakrajutatip and JKN of defrauding him of 30 million baht (about $930,362). He claims he was convinced to purchase JKN corporate bonds in 2023 despite the company knowing repayment was impossible.

Her legal troubles are broader still. In June 2025, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission filed criminal complaints alleging she falsified JKN’s 2023 financial statements. Although Jakrajutatip resigned from her executive roles, she remains JKN’s largest shareholder. The company entered bankruptcy and debt rehabilitation in late 2023 after posting a 2.1-billion-baht loss.

Miss Universe org denies it has new Thai owners | GMA News Online

Pageant Meltdown: Public Confrontations, Judge Resignations, and Rigging Allegations

While leadership faced global criminal scrutiny, the 2025 pageant itself became the backdrop for chaotic scenes and accusations of corruption.

On November 4, during a livestreamed sashing event, Executive Director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Bosch for allegedly refusing to prioritize Thai pageant interests. When Bosch defended herself, Itsaragrisil called security to eject her, warning contestants that anyone who walked out would be replaced.

Tensions escalated days later when Lebanese French composer Omar Harfouch resigned from the judging panel, telling media that an “impromptu jury” had already selected the top 30 semifinalists before the competition. Former Chelsea football star Claude Makélélé also resigned, citing personal matters.

The Miss Universe Organization denied all accusations, insisting that “transparent protocols governed the competition.”

Contestant Resignations and a Medical Emergency

After the final competition, several contestants relinquished their titles in protest.

• Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire resigned on November 24, stating her “values and work ethics” no longer aligned with the organization.
• Miss Estonia Brigitta Schaback resigned a day earlier, also citing cultural and ethical conflicts.

Meanwhile, Miss Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry suffered a serious fall during preliminary competition on November 19 and has remained in intensive care. Rocha claimed on November 24 that she was “in good health and nearing discharge,” but her family disputed this, telling the press that she “isn’t doing as well as we would have hoped.”

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry Remains in ICU in Thailand 13 Days After Miss Universe Accident

Updates on Henry’s condition continue to be reported by island outlets such as The Gleaner and Loop Jamaica, as well as international sources, including People (report).

Looking Ahead: A Pageant in Crisis but Planning for Its Future

Despite its leadership facing criminal investigations, the Miss Universe Organization has announced that Puerto Rico will host the 75th Anniversary pageant in November 2026 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.

The organization maintains that it operates independently of its owners’ legal challenges and remains “committed to its global mission of empowerment.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch’s coronation, describing it as “a proud moment for women’s empowerment” and commending her “courage to speak up in the face of injustice.”

USA Herald, Miss Universe Organization, Criminal investigations, Raúl Rocha Cantú, Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, JKN Global Group, Miss Universe scandal, Fátima Bosch, Pageant rigging allegations, Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, Beauty pageant controversy, Organized crime charges, Thai fraud case, Miss Universe 2025, Puerto Rico 75th Anniversary pageant, International pageant crisis