Controversy surrounding Miss Universe continues to escalate as Thai authorities confirmed that a court has issued an arrest warrant for one of the pageant’s co-owners in connection with an ongoing fraud case.
On Wednesday, November 26, the Bangkok South District Court announced that Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization and the founder of JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing.
According to Canada's Global News, Jakrajutatip did not notify officials of her absence, leading them to classify her as a flight risk and authorize the warrant. The hearing about her freedom has been rescheduled for December 26.
Jakrajutatip was charged with fraud in 2023 and released on bail. The case centers on allegations that she and JKN Global Group defrauded Raweewat Maschamadol during the sale of corporate bonds. Raweewat has claimed the 2023 investment resulted in losses totaling approximately 30 million baht, or about $930,000.
The legal developments come as JKN Global Group continues to face significant financial trouble. Beginning in 2023, the company defaulted on payments to investors and, in 2024, entered debt rehabilitation proceedings with Thailand’s Central Bankruptcy Court. JKN has stated that it carries debts amounting to roughly 3 billion baht, or about $93 million.
JKN made headlines in 2022 after acquiring the Miss Universe franchise from IMG Worldwide LLC. The following year, the company sold a 50 percent stake in Miss Universe to Legacy Holding Group USA, owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú.
Rocha currently serves as president and co-owner of the organization and has recently stated that he is exploring selling his stake amid mounting controversies.
Jakrajutatip resigned from all executive positions at JKN Global Group in June, after Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission accused her of falsifying the company’s 2023 financial statements. Despite stepping down from leadership roles, she remains JKN’s largest shareholder.
Her whereabouts are currently unclear. Jakrajutatip did not attend the 74th Miss Universe competition and released a statement earlier this week denying rumors that she had liquidated company assets and fled the country.
This latest development adds to a turbulent period for Miss Universe. The 2025 competition faced multiple issues, including public disputes involving organizers, the resignation of judges, allegations of irregularities in the selection process, and investigations into whether promotional activities violated Thai law.
Jakrajutatip, a high-profile figure in Thailand known for her media presence and appearances on reality television, has not commented publicly on the warrant and could not be reached for comment by Global News.