Arrest Warrant Issued for Miss Universe Co-Owner After Court Absence in Fraud Case

Arrest Warrant for Miss Universe Co-Owner After Court Absence in Fraud Case

A Bangkok court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization. This warrant came after Jakrajutatip failed to appear in court on Tuesday regarding allegations of fraud.

The charges against Jakkaphong stem from accusations that she defrauded an investor in 2023. She had previously been released on bail but was absent from the court session without notifying officials. According to a statement from the Bangkok South District Court, the court considered her a flight risk. Consequently, it rescheduled the hearing for December 26.

Background on the Miss Universe Acquisition

Jakkaphong’s company, JKN Global Group, acquired the Miss Universe Organization in 2022. Subsequently, in 2023, the company sold a 50% stake to Legacy Holding Group USA, which is owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú.

Details of the Alleged Fraud

JKN is facing serious allegations from an investor named Raweewat Maschamadol. He claims that he lost approximately $930,000 due to misleading information presented during a corporate-bond deal in 2023. Maschamadol asserts that Jakkaphong and JKN misrepresented the company’s financial health during this transaction. As of 2023, JKN stopped all payments to investors, effectively obliterating the value of these corporate bonds.

Financial Challenges Facing JKN

JKN has encountered significant financial challenges over recent years. In 2023, the company defaulted on multiple investor payments and initiated a debt rehabilitation process in 2024. Reports indicate that JKN now has obligations totaling around $93 million.

Jakkaphong’s Personal and Professional Fallout

Jakkaphong is not only a prominent Thai celebrity but also a well-known reality show star and openly transgender figure. In June, following accusations by Thailand’s SEC of falsifying financial documents for 2023, she resigned from all her positions within JKN, although she remains the largest shareholder.

Current Status of Jakkaphong

As of now, Jakkaphong’s whereabouts remain uncertain. She did not attend the recent 74th Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok earlier this month, raising further questions about her situation.

JKN Addresses Liquidation Rumors

On Monday, JKN publicly denied rumors suggesting that Jakkaphong had liquidated the company’s assets and fled the country. These allegations added to the growing tension surrounding the company’s financial practices.

Challenges at the Miss Universe Pageant

This year’s Miss Universe pageant has been marred by several controversies. A Thai organizer publicly reprimanded Fátima Bosch Fernández, who ultimately won the 2025 crown, triggering pushback from fans. Additionally, two judges withdrew from the panel, with one implying that the scoring system lacked transparency. Thai authorities have also launched an investigation to determine if any promotional materials for the event illegally advertised online gambling.

The situation escalated further when Jamaica’s contestant, Gabrielle Henry, suffered a fall off the stage during the preliminary evening gown round, adding to the event’s string of mishaps.

The Legacy of Miss Universe Ownership

Historically, the Miss Universe Organization has undergone numerous ownership changes. Notably, Donald Trump owned the brand from 1996 until 2015. He sold it to talent agency IMG following the termination of his contract with NBC during his presidential campaign. Since then, the organization has continued to change hands.

Ultimately, in 2022, IMG sold the organization to Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global Group, marking yet another chapter in its storied history.

Additional reporting from The Associated Press contributed to this article.