Thailand’s anti-money laundering agency (SEC) has ordered the freezing of the accounts of businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe brand with controversial Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú. The Asian country’s anti-money laundering authority accuses Jakrajutatip of fraud, against whom there is also an arrest warrant for failing to appear at the hearing of the trial that was opened against him for this crime. Meanwhile, Rocha Cantú faces charges of arms trafficking, fuel theft and money laundering in Mexico.
The Thai SEC also blocked the accounts of the company JKN Global Group, through which Jakrajutatip acquired 50% of the shares of Miss Universe. His partnership with Rocha Cantú took place in January 2024, after he sold half of the brand to Legacy Holding Group USA Inc., owned by the Mexican tycoon, for $16 million. From that moment on, Rocha Cantú became the owner of the rights to Miss Universe in Mexico.
The SEC of Thailand accuses Jakrajutatip of publishing financial statements of JKN containing false statements or concealing material facts that should have been disclosed, during the period 2022 and 2023. The businesswoman and other accomplices are also accused of faking the purchase of JKN licenses through frontmen from Jakrajutatip herself. The Thai agency adds that the defendants used inside information to sell shares in the company. The SEC contends that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties and misappropriated JKN’s assets, thereby harming the company’s assets and its creditors.
Following these allegations, Jakrajutatip resigned from his management position at JKN Global Group, but retained the majority of shares. The businesswoman made headlines in 2022, when she purchased Miss Universe for $20 million. Media outlets have highlighted the fact that beyond her wealth, Jakrajutatip is a transgender woman, who has invested significant resources in LGBTIQ+ community causes.
Jakrajutatip’s Mexican partner, Rocha Cantú, also has ongoing cases with authorities in the Latin American country for his alleged involvement in an organized crime plot. Justice has issued an arrest warrant against the businessman who, under pressure, moved the headquarters of Miss Universe from Mexico to New York. Rocha Cantú also lives outside of Mexico. Recently he was caught vacationing in Paris.
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