The bank accounts of Raúl Rocha Cantú, co-owner and president of the Miss Universe Organisation, were frozen by Mexican money laundering agency as part of a criminal investigation.
Mexican authorities have frozen the bank accounts of Raúl Rocha Cantú, co-owner and president of the Miss Universe Organisation, as part of a sweeping investigation alleging his involvement in organised-crime activities including drug, arms and fuel trafficking. The freeze was ordered by Mexico’s anti-money laundering agency, the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF), following a probe that reportedly began in November 2024.
According to federal prosecutors, the alleged crimes under scrutiny include illegal fuel theft, smuggling of weapons, and narcotics trafficking. Officials say a judge has already issued 13 arrest warrants, including for Rocha Cantú and several accomplices believed to be connected to the suspected network.
Rocha’s business entity, Legacy Holding Group USA, owns 50 percent of the Miss Universe franchise; the remaining half is held by another company, JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd.. The accusations against Rocha therefore cast a shadow not just on him, but also on the broader Miss Universe organisation.
A Pageant Amid Controversy
This development comes at a turbulent time for Miss Universe. The 2025 edition of the pageant, which was recently concluded, had already been enveloped in controversy, including allegations of rigging and judge withdrawals.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Thai half-owner of Miss Universe, Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, also faces legal troubles. A Thai court recently issued an arrest warrant against her in a separate fraud case after she failed to appear for a hearing.
Together, these developments have plunged the iconic pageant into one of the most serious scandals in its history, with questions now raised about the integrity of its ownership and past events.
Investigation Underway
As of now, neither Rocha Cantú nor the Miss Universe Organisation has publicly responded to questions from media.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues. The freeze on Rocha’s Mexican accounts marks only the first step, prosecutors may pursue further legal action depending on findings, potentially involving extradition requests, asset seizures, or additional warrants.
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