Mexico’s Office of the Attοrney General announced an investigation into the president of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) over alleged involvement in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and fuel theft. The office said it has issued 13 arrest warrants in the course of the probe but did not name any individuals in its initial statement. (Office of the Attorney General of Mexico)
Local media reported that one of the warrants is for the organization’s president, Raúl Rocha. In public statements about the investigation—which the Attorney General’s Office says began in 2024—the office referred to the individual as “Raúl R.,” following a common Mexican practice of using an initial for the surname. The office also said it will release information on his alleged involvement at a later time. (Office of the Attorney General of Mexico)
Requests for comment sent to Rocha’s Instagram account received no immediate response. The Miss Universe Organization also did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Rocha acquired 50% of the Miss Universe Organization in 2024 through his company, Legacy Holding Group USA, purchasing the stake from JKN Global Group.
The current Miss Universe title was won by Mexican contestant Fátima Bous at the competition held Friday, November 21, in Thailand. Prior to the pageant, Bous said she was publicly insulted by the Thai pageant director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, who called her “stupid” during a ceremony before the competition. Bous left the event, followed by several other contestants. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, praised Bous—congratulating her on her victory and commending her for speaking out and leaving the event in the face of the insult. Itsaragrisil later apologized.
