The Miss Universe Pageant has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of fraud and criminal activity involving its owners, days after the 2025 competition concluded in Thailand. The controversies center around Thai mogul Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, owner of JKN Global, and Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantu, who co-owns a stake in the pageant.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip

Jakrajutatip is currently wanted by Thai authorities after failing to appear in court for a legal dispute over 30 million baht ($930,000) with an investor in her company, JKN Global. The Bangkok South District Court issued an arrest warrant this week, but her current whereabouts remain unknown, according to local media reports.

JKN Global has faced significant financial problems since 2023, including defaults on investor payments. The company filed for rehabilitation with a Thai bankruptcy court in 2024, reportedly owing approximately 3 billion baht ($92.63 million). In addition, the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sanctioned Jakrajutatip and JKN Global earlier this year for providing “false or misleading information” in financial statements and imposed fines totaling 4 million baht ($124,000).

The SEC also highlighted that JKN Global failed to disclose a 2023 agreement to sell 50 percent of Miss Universe shares to Raúl Rocha Cantu and his company, Legacy Holding Group USA Inc., a deal that has raised further investor concerns. While Jakrajutatip resigned from her company positions following the sanctions, she remains a shareholder. She notably did not attend the recent Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok.

Co-Owner Raúl Rocha Cantu Under Investigation in Mexico

Meanwhile, Raúl Rocha Cantu is facing a separate legal investigation in Mexico. Authorities have accused him of involvement in arms, drug, and fuel trafficking between Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican prosecutors have formally charged 13 individuals in connection with the case, although Cantu has not yet been officially named among the accused.

Pageant Overshadowed by Scandal

The 2025 Miss Universe Pageant, held in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, saw Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch crowned the winner. However, the event has been overshadowed by allegations that the competition was rigged, combined with the ongoing financial and legal troubles of its owners.

The situation has raised questions about the future ownership and integrity of the Miss Universe brand, which was previously owned by former US President Donald Trump before being acquired by Jakrajutatip in 2022.

Implications for Investors and Fans

The ongoing legal disputes and financial instability have created significant uncertainty for investors and pageant fans worldwide. JKN Global’s rehabilitation status, unpaid debts, and regulatory fines have cast doubt on the company’s ability to manage one of the world’s most high-profile beauty competitions.

Observers warn that the combined legal and financial challenges, both in Thailand and Mexico, could affect the pageant’s credibility and future operations.