Miss Universe is facing renewed scrutiny following reports that Raúl Rocha, the organization’s president and co-owner, admitted to Mexican authorities that he was involved in fuel smuggling operations between Guatemala and Mexico.
According to People, citing Mexican newspaper Reforma, Rocha submitted a document to Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) in which he acknowledged investing in two fuel-smuggling transactions.
In the filing, Rocha reportedly said he invested 2.1 million pesos—approximately $116,000—on two separate occasions to purchase fuel, expecting to recoup his investment and a share of the profits from the fuel’s resale.
The reported admission follows earlier allegations that Mexican prosecutors charged Rocha with involvement in the trafficking of fuel, drugs, and weapons across the Guatemala–Mexico border.
Federal investigators previously described Rocha as the alleged leader of a criminal organization that transported fuel by boat through the Usumacinta River and then by truck to locations including Querétaro.
As part of the investigation, authorities raided multiple properties and claimed to have recovered records documenting financial contributions to the alleged operation, including transactions totaling 2.1 million pesos.
Prosecutors also alleged that the organization maintained connections with political figures and government officials “at all three levels” to facilitate trafficking operations. An arrest warrant was issued, and Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit reportedly froze Rocha’s Mexican bank accounts.
While Rocha has denied allegations related to drug and weapons trafficking, neither he nor the Miss Universe Organization has publicly commented on the reported admission.
The legal developments come amid continued turbulence surrounding Miss Universe following its 74th annual pageant in November.
In the days leading up to the competition, multiple controversies unfolded, beginning with a livestreamed confrontation between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch. The incident prompted several contestants to walk out, and Rocha later announced sanctions against Itsaragrisil, restricting his involvement.
Since the pageant, multiple titleholders have also stepped away. Olivia Yacé, who placed in the top five at Miss Universe 2025 and held the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, resigned days after the competition.
“With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation,” Yacé wrote, citing the need to remain aligned with her personal values.
“Unfortunately, things took a quick turn when I got severe food poisoning and was pulled out of the competition,” O’Connor wrote.
The Miss Universe Iceland organization denied her claims, stating that she voluntarily withdrew.
“Having Miss Universe defend Miss Universe is like asking a police department to investigate itself,” Sapini said. “That is why we need an independent investigation—unbiased, external, and transparent.”