Arrest Warrant Issued for Miss Universe Co-Owner Amid Fraud Allegations
Overview of the Situation
On October 25, 2023, a Bangkok court issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, a prominent figure in the Miss Universe Organization and co-owner of JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd. The warrant comes as part of ongoing fraud allegations associated with the organization. Jakrajutatip has been implicated in failing to appear in court as required, leading to suspicions about her potential flight risk.
Background of Allegations
Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip was released on bail earlier this year after being charged with fraud. The court scheduled a hearing for December 26 following her nonappearance on Tuesday, where she failed to notify the court of her absence. According to the court’s statement, this lack of communication and accountability raised concerns of her possibly fleeing.
The allegations against Jakkaphong and her company revolve around claims from Raweewat Maschamadol, who states that he lost approximately 30 million baht (around $930,362) after investing in JKN’s corporate bonds in 2023. These investments have faced mounting scrutiny due to JKN’s financial struggles, leading to the company defaulting on payments since the beginning of 2023. JKN is reportedly undergoing debt rehabilitation procedures and has outstanding debts totaling about 3 billion baht (approximately $93 million).
Company Background and Ownership
JKN Global Group acquired the rights to the Miss Universe pageant from IMG Worldwide LLC in 2022. Just a year later, the company made headlines again by selling a 50% share of the Miss Universe assets to Legacy Holding Group USA, owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú. Despite her legal troubles, Jakkaphong remains the largest shareholder in the company.
In June 2023, amid increasing scrutiny, she resigned from all positions within JKN following allegations of falsifying the company’s financial statements. However, her current whereabouts have become elusive as she did not attend the recent Miss Universe pageant held in Bangkok, further complicating her legal battles.
Recent Developments
As allegations against Jakkaphong grow, JKN has made efforts to quell rumors suggesting that she has liquidated the company’s assets and fled the country. However, the company has yet to issue a statement addressing the arrest warrant directly, and Jakkaphong could not be contacted for a comment.
The Miss Universe 2025 Event
The recent Miss Universe 2025 competition, held in Bangkok on November 19, was overshadowed by controversies, including an incident where an organizer harshly criticized Mexican contestant Fátima Bosch following her crowning. Reports emerged that two judges withdrew from participating in the contest, with claims of potential rigging. Additionally, there were allegations that promotional activities for the event might have involved illegal online casino advertising, leading to a police investigation.
Conclusion
As legal proceedings unfold, the situation surrounding Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip and the Miss Universe Organization raises questions about the implications for the future of JKN. With the arrest warrant in place and ongoing allegations of fraud, the developments in this case will likely have significant repercussions for both the company and the iconic pageant brand.
For more detailed coverage and updates related to the Miss Universe Organization, feel free to explore the official news page.
