Mexico Freezes Miss Universe Co-Owner’s Bank Accounts

Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit has frozen the bank accounts of Raúl Rocha Cantú, the Mexican co‑owner of the Miss Universe Organisation, as part of an investigation into drug, weapons, and fuel trafficking.

Rocha, whose company Legacy Holding Group USA owns 50% of Miss Universe, has been under investigation since late 2024 for alleged organised crime activities. A federal judge has already issued 13 arrest warrants in the case, including one for Rocha, who is accused of helping lead a fuel‑smuggling network along the Usumacinta River between Guatemala and Mexico.

The action adds to a growing list of scandals for Miss Universe. Last week, a Thai court issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, the organisation’s other co-owner, after she failed to appear in a fraud case. This year’s competition, won by Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, also faced allegations of rigging.

Recently, the Office of the Prime Minister sent out a press statement saying the PM John Briceño “was part of an official governmental meeting with Rocha and others, in 2024, to discuss opportunities for trade and investment. PM Briceño has participated in such meetings around the world and has met with persons at all levels of government and business in his professional capacity.” This is after local news reported the meeting.

Meanwhile, Southern Deep Port Development Ltd (SDPDL), a Belizean company behind plans to redevelop Commerce Bight Port into a luxury cruise port and marina, also addressed links to Rocha’s Legacy Holding Group. On Wednesday, the firm issued a statement saying Rocha’s company had posted unauthorised information online about a port project in Dangriga.

The firm confirmed that while discussions with Rocha began earlier this year, they ended in September without any agreement, and all ties have since been cut.