Mexican authorities have launched a significant criminal investigation targeting Raul Rocha, President of the Miss Universe Organization, for alleged involvement in serious organized crime activities including narcotics trafficking, illegal arms distribution, and fuel theft operations. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Wednesday that thirteen arrest warrants have been issued as part of the comprehensive probe, though officials refrained from publicly identifying all targeted individuals.
The investigation, reportedly initiated in 2024, centers on Rocha who holds fifty percent ownership of the prestigious international beauty pageant organization through his corporate entity Legacy Holding Group USA. Mexican media outlets have independently confirmed that Rocha is among those subject to arrest warrants, referred to in official communications as ‘Raul R’ in accordance with standard Mexican legal protocol.
This development emerges amidst existing controversy surrounding the recently concluded Miss Universe competition in Thailand, where Mexican winner Fatima Bosch previously led contestant protests against pageant leadership. Bosch alleged inappropriate conduct by pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who denied the accusations. The Mexican winner subsequently received presidential endorsement from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, who praised her as an exemplar of female empowerment.
Neither Rocha nor the Miss Universe Organization responded immediately to requests for commentary regarding the investigation. The Attorney General’s Office indicated that further details regarding the status of the investigation and individuals involved would be disclosed through appropriate official channels as the case progresses.