Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, co-owner of the Miss Universe franchise, faces formal charges from Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR). The charges allege his involvement in organized crime offenses. These include drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and illegal fuel trafficking, known locally as "huachicol."
News of the imputation was initially reported by major outlets such as Reforma, Infobae, and La Razón. Rocha, also an event producer and pageant executive, is now at the center of a high-profile federal investigation.
The charges come as the Miss Universe organization navigates a significant global scandal. The 2025 edition in Thailand faced multiple resignations and accusations regarding the pageant’s legitimacy.
Omar Harfouch, a Franco-Lebanese pianist and businessman, publicly resigned as a judge just hours before the event. He cited alleged irregularities in the voting process. Harfouch stated, "I cannot stand before the public and pretend to legitimize a vote in which I never participated."
His departure triggered a chain reaction. Former footballer Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla de Borbón-Dos Sicilias, among other figures, also withdrew.
The controversy intensified following the crowning of Fatima Bosch, Miss Mexico. Harfouch directly accused Rocha of pressuring for the Mexican contestant’s victory. Rocha denied these accusations and presented screenshots, reportedly shared by Pageant Talk, to refute them. He also warned of legal action against what he called "defamations."
Further controversies included resignations from Miss Estonia and Miss Ivory Coast. Natalie Glebova voiced criticism, while Miss Norway and Miss Palestine raised complaints. Rumors of European national organizations withdrawing also circulated, turning the contest into an institutional crisis.
The FGR’s accusation against Rocha Cantú stems from an investigation developed over several months. Rocha is allegedly linked to a criminal network. This network is suspected of drug trafficking, firearm trafficking, and illicit hydrocarbon trafficking. It is also accused of organized crime for transnational illegal commerce.
Investigators allege the network illegally introduced fuel from Guatemala via the Usumacinta River. This fuel was then transported in tankers to Querétaro through front companies. Facilities like a warehouse known as "La Espuela" reportedly served as storage hubs, where fuel was mixed with additives to appear legitimate.
Regarding arms, the investigation suggests a network involving former military personnel and security firms. They allegedly imported and modified weapons to make them seem legal. These weapons were then reportedly distributed to criminal groups across various states.
Criminal case 495/2025 was issued on November 15. Reportedly, Rocha entered a protected witness program four days later, a mechanism allowing collaboration with authorities for potential judicial benefits.
Rocha denied any connection between his business dealings or the investigation and Fatima Bosch’s coronation. He publicly clarified his commercial ties with Pemex via a statement.
Despite his denials, the temporal overlap between the Miss Universe global scandal and Rocha’s imputation has fueled suspicion. It has also led to political narratives and intense media coverage. The internal crisis at Miss Universe, already marked by transparency accusations, now faces a judicial element that could impact the organization’s future and international reputation.