Raul Rocha, the president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, is reportedly facing serious criminal charges in Mexico.
Prosecutors have suggested that Rocha may be linked to a criminal network that traffics drugs, weapons, and stolen fuel along the Guatemala-Mexico border, as noted by Mexican newspapers.
These allegations arise from an investigation by the attorney general’s office, which claims Rocha held a significant role in a group smuggling fuel across the Usumacinta River and transporting it by truck into central Mexico, particularly in Querétaro.
Officials have also indicated this network is reportedly involved in both drug and firearms trafficking.
According to Reforma, authorities executed searches at several locations connected to Rocha and allegedly uncovered financial documents revealing he had made donations to criminal organizations.
One document reportedly shows Rocha contributed around P2.1 million, prompting prosecutors to pursue an arrest warrant in August.
Additionally, there are claims that this criminal group had ties to various government officials, granting them the ability to facilitate the movement of illegal fuel and other contraband within the area.
The situation hints at a network that extends beyond mere trafficking, suggesting potential political connections.
Reforma mentioned that in October, Rocha approached prosecutors with the intention of negotiating a plea deal.
As part of this proposal, it’s said that Rocha would provide information in return for immunity from prosecution.
It remains uncertain whether this plea deal has been accepted or if negotiations are still ongoing.
Rocha has denied any allegations against him.
“It is completely false that I have a warrant for my arrest,” he stated in an interview when asked about the recent developments.
The Miss Universe Organization has been contacted for a response.
The charges against Rocha come at a tumultuous time for the Miss Universe pageant.
This year’s competition, which concluded on November 21 with Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch winning, was characterized by chaos, including contestants being sent home, judges stepping down, and claims of scoring fraud.
Miss Universe executive Nawat Isaragrisil was dismissed on November 4 after a troubling interaction with Bosch led to several contestants leaving in protest.
Judge Omar Harhoush made headlines when he resigned shortly before the event started in Bangkok, alleging that the top 30 finalists had been predetermined well before the jury’s vote.
Most recently, on November 19, Miss Jamaica Gabriel Henry fell dramatically from a stage during an event, resulting in backlash toward Miss Universe leadership.
Rocha claimed that Henry was “in good health” and “about to be discharged,” but Haitian contestant Melissa Sapini mentioned that the Miss Universe team was pointing fingers at Miss Jamaica.
“I don’t know if they handled it correctly,” Sapini remarked. “First, the staff member suggested it was her fault for not paying attention.”
She added, “After that, they claimed, ‘Of course, safety is our number one priority,’ which seemed a little disingenuous to me.” It was genuinely a frightening experience.
