Miss Universe president under investigation for smuggling; testimony reveals new details.

The legal troubles surrounding Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú are becoming the focus of international attention, especially as these developments unfolded just weeks after the 74th Miss Universe final.

According to Reforma, Raúl Rocha Cantú submitted documents to Mexican authorities admitting to two investments totaling approximately $116,000 to purchase fuel, with the expectation of recouping the investment and profiting from distribution. However, these transactions were identified by authorities as part of an illegal fuel smuggling operation – a persistent problem in Mexico for many years. This confession was considered crucial, quickly escalating the case from suspicion to a criminal investigation.

Notably, this information emerged in the context of Raúl Rocha Cantú's previous allegations of involvement in cross-border drug, weapons, and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico. A Mexican federal prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for the businessman, and the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) froze all of his bank accounts in Mexico as part of the investigation.

Simultaneously, authorities conducted searches of numerous properties linked to Raúl Rocha Cantú. According to investigative sources, authorities seized several documents believed to be related to money transfers and financial contributions to the criminal organization. These findings further fueled public concern about the seriousness of the case and the extent of the network he is allegedly involved with.

To date, neither Raúl Rocha Cantú nor the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) have issued an official response to media inquiries. This silence has fueled speculation, especially given the latest legal developments following the controversy surrounding allegations of a lack of transparency in the results of the Miss Universe 2025 competition. Previously, in November, Raúl had expressed her weariness with the constant gossip and hinted at the possibility of selling her stake in MUO, suggesting potential rifts within the organization.

Raúl Rocha Cantú is a long-time fan of beauty pageants and owns a diversified investment portfolio in Mexico. In 2024, he acquired a 50% stake in the Miss Universe Organization and partnered with Anne Jakrajutatip, a transgender businesswoman from Thailand and CEO of JKN Global Group. In January 2024, MUO announced a strategic alliance between JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group, led by Raúl. Under the agreement, Legacy Holding Group is responsible for North and South America, while JKN is responsible for Asia and other markets.

Before venturing into the entertainment and beauty industry, Raúl Rocha Cantú was dubbed the "king of casinos" by Mexican media for owning Casino Royale. In August 2011, the casino was attacked and set on fire, killing 52 people in one of the most shocking tragedies in Mexican history. Although he was later acquitted by the Mexican Attorney General's Office, he still faced intense public criticism. According to Proceso, Raúl was accused of failing to compensate the victims' families as required by law, further damaging his public image.

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