Miss Universe owner Raúl Rocha has found himself in a storm of controversy, following explosive reports of his alleged involvement in drug, arms, and fuel trafficking. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office has charged Rocha, claiming his leadership in a criminal organization that traffics these items between Guatemala and Mexico. According to a report by the Mexican newspaper Reforma, the operation involves smuggling fuel via the Usumacinta River and transporting it by truck across Mexico.
The case took a dramatic turn in August when an agent from Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime requested an arrest warrant against Rocha, citing organized crime charges. The authorities have reportedly raided several properties, uncovering evidence of monetary ties between Rocha and the illicit network. A sum of 2.1 million pesos, roughly $114,405, was allegedly funneled into the operation, signaling Rocha's deep entanglement in the criminal web.
"Rocha's alleged connections with politicians and authorities at all levels of government have facilitated the unlawful sale of hydrocarbons, narcotics, and weapons of war," claimed the arrest warrant, as reported by Reforma.
In an intriguing twist, Rocha reportedly initiated talks with the FGR in October, seeking a plea bargain. He is believed to be offering valuable information in exchange for immunity from prosecution. This development comes as the latest scandal to rock the Miss Universe organization, which has faced recent controversies, including the public fallout from Nawat Itsaragrisi's derogatory comments about Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch.
The organization has not been short of drama, with Bosch receiving widespread support after Itsaragrisi's remarks. Many beauty queens walked out in solidarity, prompting Rocha to reduce Itsaragrisi's role. However, Bosch rose above the chaos, winning the competition and vowing to be a force for positive change.
"I will put my voice and the power in the service of others," Bosch declared during her victory speech. "Because nowadays, we are here to speak up, to make change, and to ensure that brave women make history."
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe stage is also seeing legal woes with co-owner Jakapong "Anne" Jakrajutatip facing arrest for a fraud case after missing a court appearance. Her resignation in June was separate from the current legal proceedings, according to the organization.
As the pageant world watches closely, all eyes are on how these legal entanglements will unfold and what they mean for the future of Miss Universe.