The Miss Universe Organisation has been thrust into its most turbulent moment yet, as both of its co-owners become entangled in separate but equally severe criminal investigations. Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit has frozen the bank accounts of Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú amid allegations linked to drug trafficking, arms trafficking and fuel theft. Meanwhile, Thai entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip is now facing an arrest warrant in Bangkok after failing to appear in court on a long-running fraud case.
The dual scandals arrive at a precarious time for the global pageant. Miss Universe has spent the past year pushing back against widespread rigging allegations following Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch’s win in the 2024 competition — a controversy that already strained the brand’s credibility. With both shareholders under legal scrutiny and the organisation declining to comment publicly, questions around leadership stability and governance have intensified.
Rocha Cantú, whose Legacy Holding Group USA owns 50% of Miss Universe, has reportedly been under federal investigation since late 2024. His background has also resurfaced — including his previous stake in Casino Royale, the Monterrey establishment where 52 people died in a catastrophic 2011 arson attack. The mastermind of that attack was recently handed a 135-year sentence, renewing attention on Rocha Cantú’s past connections and business dealings.
On the other side of the world, Jakrajutatip — who controls the remaining 50% through JKN Global Group — is battling her own legal fallout. After securing bail in 2023, she was required to appear in court on 25 November but failed to do so, leading Thai authorities to deem her a flight risk. Her fraud hearing has been rescheduled for 26 December, adding further uncertainty to the future of the pageant’s leadership.
With investor confidence wavering and public trust shaken, the Miss Universe brand is now navigating an unprecedented reputational storm. All eyes will be on the organisation’s next move — and whether it can restore credibility ahead of its 2026 season.
