A Thai court has officially issued an arrest warrant for Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the media mogul and co-owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, following allegations of fraud totaling approximately $930,000. The South Bangkok Civil Court announced the warrant on Wednesday, citing concerns that Jakapong’s absence from a scheduled verdict could be interpreted as an attempt to evade justice.

Jakrajutatip’s company, JKN Global Group, co-owns the Miss Universe franchise alongside Mexican firm Legacy Holding Group USA, which acquired half of the stake in 2022. The arrest warrant marks the latest controversy surrounding the Miss Universe pageant, which has faced a series of scandals in 2025.

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Fraud Allegations Linked to JKN Global Group Investment

The legal dispute stems from a complaint filed by a plastic surgeon investor, who claims Jakapong misrepresented information when convincing him to invest in JKN Global Group in 2023.

According to a court statement, the plaintiff was allegedly misled about the company’s ability to repay his investment:

“The defendant invited [the plaintiff] to invest knowing her inability to return the money within the appointed time.”

The total disputed amount is 30 million baht (approximately $930,000). Jakapong’s failure to appear in court during the verdict scheduled for Tuesday led to the issuance of the arrest warrant. The court has now rescheduled the verdict to December 26. Some media reports indicate that Jakapong may have traveled to Mexico amid rumors of financial difficulties.

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Miss Universe 2025 Marred by Controversy

The Miss Universe 2025 competition, held in Bangkok, concluded last week but was overshadowed by drama and disputes. The event featured a highly publicized confrontation between a male competition host and Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, the eventual winner.

During the livestreamed event, the host criticized Bosch for not posting promotional content and allegedly called her “dumb,” prompting Bosch to stage a walkout. The incident drew international attention, including praise for Bosch from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who commended her for standing up publicly.

Earlier this year, the Miss Universe Organization clarified that the legal proceedings involving Jakrajutatip are entirely separate from the pageant’s operations, ensuring the competition remains unaffected.

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JKN Global Group and Miss Universe Ownership

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global Group purchased the Miss Universe franchise for $20 million in 2022. Later, the company sold half of its stake to Mexican firm Legacy Holding Group USA for $16 million.

However, JKN Global Group has faced scrutiny from the Stock Exchange of Thailand. In 2024, the company was delisted after failing to submit financial statements and reportedly falsifying records. These developments have intensified public and media attention on Jakapong’s business dealings.

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Previous Ownership and Historical Context

The Miss Universe Organization was previously owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, before being sold to JKN Global Group. Over the years, the franchise has faced several controversies, from pageant scandals to management disputes. The current legal troubles surrounding Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip add another chapter to the organization’s turbulent history.

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Conclusion

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip now faces an arrest warrant for alleged fraud in Thailand, while the Miss Universe 2025 pageant continues to draw global attention due to recent scandals and international media coverage. The verdict, now set for December 26, will determine the legal and financial ramifications for Jakrajutatip and her company, JKN Global Group.