Miss Universe Co-Owner Raúl Rocha’s Bank Accounts Frozen amid Criminal Investigation: Report

The Mexican bank accounts of Raúl Rocha, the president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, have been frozen as part of a criminal investigation, according to a new report.

Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit — the country’s anti-money laundering office — has frozen Rocha’s bank accounts as part of an investigation into the trafficking of drugs, weapons and fuel, the Associated Press reported on Friday, Dec. 5.

The AP cited a federal official who spoke with the outlet anonymously, as he was not authorized to comment on the ongoing investigation.

The Mexican businessman has been under investigation since November 2024 for alleged organized crime activity, including fuel theft, drug trafficking and arms trafficking, the AP reported, citing Mexico’s federal prosecutors.

Earlier this month, a judge issued an arrest warrant for Rocha, along with 12 other individuals involved in the case, per the AP.

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Neither Rocha nor representatives for the Miss Universe Organization have responded to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

Rocha’s company, Legacy Holding Group USA, owns 50% of the Miss Universe shares, while the other shares belong to JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., a company owned by Thai businesswoman Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, according to the AP.

A warrant is also out for Jakrajutatip’s arrest as of last week, the outlet reported. After she failed to appear in court and did not notify the court of her absence, Jakrajutatip was deemed a flight risk, according to the AP, which cited a statement from the Bangkok South District Court.

News of Rocha’s frozen accounts comes over a week after Mexican newspaper Reforma reported that the Miss Universe co-owner was charged by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FRG) on allegations of involvement in the trafficking of drugs, weapons and fuel between Guatemala and Mexico.

The FRG claimed that members of Rocha’s alleged criminal enterprise have “connections with politicians and authorities at all three levels of government to deliberately carry out their mission, which includes the sale of hydrocarbons, narcotics, and the trafficking and sale of large quantities of weapons of war,” per an arrest warrant obtained Reforma.

The newspaper’s bombshell report came just days after Miss Universe crowned its 2025 winner — Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch — on Nov. 21, in a pageant ceremony riddled with controversy.

Among the controversies were a heated confrontation between a contestant and a pageant executive, numerous judges dropping out of the pageant days before and allegations of misconduct with scoring.