Miss Universe co-owners face arrest warrants amid ongoing controversy
What's the story
The recent Miss Universe pageant, which has been marred by controversies such as walkouts and alleged vote rigging, has taken a new turn. Days after Mexico's Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe in Thailand, arrest warrants have been issued for the organization's co-owners. Mexican businessman Raul Rocha Cantu is being investigated for drug, fuel, and gun trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico. Meanwhile, Thai media mogul Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip has been accused of fraud.
Denial and confirmation
Cantu denies allegations; investigation confirmed by attorney general's office
Cantu has denied all allegations, telling El País, "It is completely false that I have an arrest warrant." However, the attorney general's office confirmed the investigation and stated that arrest orders had been issued for 13 people, including Cantu. The other half of the Miss Universe Organization is owned by Jakrajutatip, who also has an arrest warrant issued against her by a Thai court this week.
Fraud allegations
Jakrajutatip accused of fraud, deemed flight risk
Jakrajutatip has been accused of fraud by a plastic surgeon who claims she misled him into investing in her company, JKN Global Group. The court was supposed to deliver its verdict on Tuesday, but Jakrajutatip didn't show up, leading the judge to issue an arrest warrant as she was considered a flight risk. Her current location is reportedly unknown.
Pageant troubles
Miss Universe pageant faced multiple controversies
The Miss Universe pageant has been plagued by several controversies this year. Bosch, then Miss Mexico, went viral for walking out after being called "dumb" by the pageant's director. After public backlash, the director apologized and claimed he was misunderstood. There were also allegations of vote rigging in Bosch's victory over crowd favorite Miss Thailand.
Business connections
Mexican media reports business ties between Cantu and Pemex
Mexican media have reported potential business ties between Cantu and Pemex, the Mexican state oil company, where Bosch's father has worked for decades. This prompted Cantu and Bosch's father to deny any personal business ties between them. At a press conference on Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended Bosch again, saying any investigation into Cantu was separate from the young woman's victory.