The Miss Universe organisation is facing a significant credibility crisis following the 2025 pageant. Recent reports indicate that co-owner Raúl Rocha has been charged by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) with leading a criminal network.
According to the FGR, Rocha is charged with trafficking drugs, arms, and fuel across the Guatemala-Mexico border. The agency claims he contributed 2.1 million pesos to the operation and has political connections at various levels of government.
In a separate legal blow, a warrant was issued in Bangkok for the arrest of former co-owner Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip in relation to a fraud case.
😳 An arrest warrant has been issued for the Miss Universe pageant co-owner in Thailand.
What we know: https://t.co/3jyhQzAXCA pic.twitter.com/op80IGUNoA
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 26, 2025The 2025 Miss Universe Pageant
These revelations come just days after the crowning of Mexico’s Fatima Bosch as the 74th Miss Universe on November 21, 2025. The timing has led to public scrutiny, though evidence suggests the legal proceedings predate the final competition.
The FGR’s investigation into Rocha began with an arrest warrant in August, and negotiations for a plea bargain took place in October.
Bosch’s win followed a highly publicised pre-pageant incident where executive Nawat Itsaragrisi publicly insulted her. Her poised response and the subsequent walkout by fellow contestants garnered significant public support.
‼ El dueño de Miss Universo, imputado por tráfico de drogas y armas
✍ Por @m_merlo https://t.co/fDg2Q3IcVc
— ABC.es (@abc_es) November 26, 2025Rocha later demoted Itsaragrisi for violating the organisation’s standards of “respect and dignity toward women.” This sequence of events likely bolstered Bosch’s image as a resilient figure, aligning with her victory speech about brave women making history.
Could Fatima Bosch Lose Her Crown?
Based on available information, it is highly unlikely. The Miss Universe organisation has distanced itself from Jakrajutatip’s case, calling it “entirely separate.”
While Rule 17 of the pageant’s bylaws allows for the revocation of the crown for “conduct unbecoming,” there is no evidence linking Bosch to the owners’ legal scandals. Her reign appears secure, and her role as a “positive ambassador” may even help stabilise the organisation’s reputation. For now, Bosch’s victory stands as a personal triumph, though the long-term impact of these ownership scandals on the Miss Universe brand remains uncertain.
