Mexico Freezes Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú's Bank Accounts in Drug, Fuel and Arms Trafficking Probe

Mexican authorities have frozen the local bank accounts of Raúl Rocha Cantú, president and co‑owner of the Miss Universe Organization, after the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera moved to block his accounts amid a criminal probe targeting alleged organized‑crime activity including fuel theft, drug trafficking and arms trafficking.

“President of the Miss Universe Organization and Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú attends a press conference after the beauty pageant in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, Friday, Nov”

Associated Press

Federal prosecutors say Rocha has been under investigation since November and was among 13 people for whom a judge issued arrest warrants in the probe.

Associated Press

An account freeze has intensified scrutiny of the Miss Universe pageant, which this year was won by Mexico’s Fátima Bosch (noted as Fátima Bosh in some reporting).

Philstar reports that some in the pageant community alleged the result was rigged and points to claims that a business deal between Rocha and Bosch’s father could have produced mutual benefit.

Philstar

Mexico’s Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, told Philstar there is 'no indication the pageant was funded by organized crime.'

The Associated Press likewise notes the competition 'has also been dogged by rigging allegations' and adds that 'the organization did not immediately comment.'

The probe also spotlights Miss Universe’s co-owner Jakkaphong 'Anne' Jakrajutatip (Anne JKN).

“President of the Miss Universe Organization and Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú attends a press conference after the beauty pageant in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, Friday, Nov”

Associated Press

Both sources report she faces a separate Thai fraud case, and a Bangkok court issued an arrest warrant after she failed to appear.

Philstar adds that the court deemed her a flight risk and scheduled a hearing for Dec. 26.

Philstar also notes she stepped down as CEO in October and was largely absent from the 2025 pageant.

The report says JKN Global filed for bankruptcy two years ago.

The ownership structure and unresolved questions leave the Miss Universe organization under intense scrutiny.

Both sources state Legacy Holding Group USA and JKN Global Group each hold 50% of Miss Universe.

Philstar

Both sources also note the investigation and arrest warrants are recent developments.

Philstar records specific denials from Mexico’s Secretary of Security.

AP reports that the organization did not immediately comment.

These points underscore gaps in official responses as the probe continues.