Miss Universe owner Raúl Rocha has reportedly been charged with trafficking drugs, arms and fuel by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office.
According to a Wednesday, November 26, report by Mexican newspaper Reforma, Rocha was charged for alleged involvement in trafficking the items between Guatemala and Mexico. Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FRG) claimed that Rocha is a leader of a criminal organization that smuggles fuel in boats through the Usumacinta River before trucking it to Mexico.
The outlet reported that an agent in Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime requested an arrest warrant for Rocha on charges of organized crime in August.
The FRG reportedly raided several residences. The government office claimed they obtained records of monetary contributions from Rocha to the alleged criminal enterprise. The amount totaled 2.1 million pesos, which equals around $114,405.
According to the arrest warrant, which was obtained by Reforma, the FRG alleged that Rocha has “connections with politicians and authorities at all three levels of government to deliberately carry out their mission, which includes the sale of hydrocarbons, narcotics, and the trafficking and sale of large quantities of weapons of war.”
Reforma also reported that Rocha spoke to the FGR in October to negotiate a plea bargain and will allegedly share information for immunity from prosecution.
Us Weekly has reached out to the Miss Universe organization for comment.
Rocha’s alleged legal issues is the latest scandal to plague the Miss Universe organization. Earlier this year, pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisi made headlines after he publicly insulted Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch.
“He called me dumb because he has issues with the organization, and I think that’s unfair,” Bosch told the press while explaining the incident, which was captured on video that has since gone viral.
Several beauty queens showed solidarity for Bosch by walking out of the pre-pageant event. Rocha ultimately diminished Itsaragrisi’s role in the pageant in the wake of the scandal.
“I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host,” Rocha said at the time. “It means to demonstrate to all delegates of all countries that he, as a host, has the obligation to serve them, assist them and support them. And to ensure they have a unique life experience filled with kindness and courtesy.”
Bosch ultimately went on to win the competition. In her speech, Bosch expressed her desire to be a positive ambassador for the organization.
“I will put my voice and the power in the service of others because nowadays, we are here to speak up, to make change and have everything in view because we are women and the brave ones that stand up are the ones that will make history,” she said.
Earlier on Wednesday, news broke that a warrant was reportedly issued for Miss Universe co-owner Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip’s arrest after failing to appear in court in Bangkok for her fraud case. Officials reportedly deemed Jakrajutatip as a flight risk. Jakrajutatip resigned from Miss Universe in June. The Miss Universe Organization previously stated that Jakrajutatip’s fraud case “legal proceedings are entirely separate.”
Read the full article here
