The Miss Universe Organization finds itself at a crossroads as the pageant celebrates its latest coronation amid cascading legal crises involving its ownership and leadership. Fátima Bosch of Mexico claimed the crown on November 21 at a Bangkok venue, advancing through competition among 136 countries and territories. Yet her victory has been overshadowed by criminal investigations targeting the organization’s president, fraud allegations against its co-owner, judge resignations citing rigging concerns, and public confrontations that exposed deep fractures within the institution.
Criminal Investigation and Fuel Smuggling Allegations
RaĂşl Rocha CantĂş, president and 50% owner of the Miss Universe Organization, faces criminal charges from Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office for alleged involvement in a multinational trafficking network. Mexican authorities allege that Rocha led a criminal organization smuggling drugs, weapons, and stolen fuel between Guatemala and Mexico. According to prosecutors, the operation transported fuel via boats across the Usumacinta River from Guatemala, then moved it by truck through Chiapas and Tabasco to QuerĂ©taro. An arrest warrant was formally requested on August 6 by Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime.
During raids on several properties, investigators discovered financial documents showing monetary contributions from Rocha totaling 2.1 million pesos, approximately $114,405. The arrest warrant states that members of Rocha’s organization maintain connections with politicians and authorities at multiple government levels to facilitate hydrocarbon sales, narcotics trafficking, and weapons distribution. Some reports link the operation to major criminal cartels operating across Mexican states.
Rocha served as Guatemala’s Honorary Consul in Toluca, Mexico, until Guatemala revoked his position on November 27, 2025, following the criminal investigation announcement. When confronted by Spanish media, Rocha denied the allegations, stating the arrest warrant claim was “completely false.” However, reports indicate that in October 2025, Rocha approached the Attorney General’s Office seeking a plea bargain and offering information in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
Co-Owner’s Fraud Crisis in Thailand
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the Thai media entrepreneur who owns the other 50% of Miss Universe through JKN Global Group, faces mounting legal troubles in her home country. 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 late November.
The warrant 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 court documents, Maschamadol alleges he was persuaded to purchase corporate bonds in 2023 despite JKN knowing the company could not repay the investment. The court rescheduled the hearing for December 26, 2025.
Jakrajutatip’s legal troubles extend further. In June 2025, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission filed criminal complaints against her 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.
Internal Conflict and Judge Resignations
The pageant itself became a flashpoint for organizational dysfunction during the competition. On November 4, during a livestreamed sashing ceremony, Nawat Itsaragrisil, executive director of the 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 told remaining contestants that those who left would be replaced.
Days before the final competition, Lebanese-French composer Omar Harfouch resigned from the judging panel, alleging that an “impromptu jury” had predetermined the top 30 semifinalists from 121 delegates two days before the competition. Harfouch stated he had experienced a “disrespectful conversation” with Rocha about voting transparency and claimed Rocha pressured him to vote for Bosch due to business dealings with her father. Former Chelsea midfielder Claude MakĂ©lĂ©lĂ© also resigned from the judging panel, citing personal reasons. The Miss Universe Organization denied all allegations of rigging, stating transparent protocols governed the competition.
Contestant Departures and Medical Emergency
Multiple contestants resigned from their titles in protest. Olivia YacĂ© of CĂ´te d’Ivoire, crowned Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, resigned on November 24, stating her values and work ethics did not align with pageant leadership. Miss Estonia Brigitta Schaback also resigned on November 23, citing misalignment with organizational culture.
Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Jamaica, suffered a fall from the stage during preliminary competition on November 19 and was hospitalized in Bangkok. While Rocha stated on November 24 that medical reports confirmed Henry was “in good health and nearing discharge,” her family indicated she “isn’t doing as well as we would have hoped” and would require at least another week in intensive care.
Looking Forward
Despite the organizational turmoil, the Miss Universe Organization announced that Puerto Rico will host the 75th Anniversary pageant in November 2026 at Coliseo de Puerto Rico JosĂ© Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. The organization states it operates independently from owner legal matters and remains committed to its empowerment mission. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated Bosch’s victory as a triumph for women’s empowerment, noting that her willingness to speak up against perceived injustice exemplified modern values of equality and participation.
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)