Miss Universe co-owner Raúl Rocha’s accounts frozen amid criminal probe

Raúl Rocha, president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, has had his Mexican bank accounts frozen as authorities investigate alleged criminal activity, including drug, arms, and fuel trafficking.

Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit, the country’s anti-money laundering office, is investigating Rocha, who’s been under federal scrutiny since November 2024 for organized crime, fuel theft, and drug trafficking, the Associated Press reported Friday. 

Earlier this month, a judge issued arrest warrants for Rocha and 12 associates, per AP sources. 

For those unversed, Rocha’s company, Legacy Holding Group USA, owns 50% of Miss Universe, with the remaining shares held by Thai businesswoman Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd. 

Jakrajutatip also has an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to appear in court, and authorities have labeled her a flight risk.

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office says Rocha’s operation has “connections with politicians and authorities at all three levels of government” to aid illegal sales of fuel, weapons, and drugs, per Reforma.

The frozen accounts and ongoing investigation follow a controversial 2025 Miss Universe pageant, during which Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch was crowned amid judge withdrawals, scoring disputes, and contestant confrontations.