JAKARTA - One of the owners of the Miss Universe Organization license from Thailand, Jakkapong Anne Jakrajutatip, was sentenced to two years in prison without suspension in connection with an investment fraud case. Jakrajutatip is the founder of JKN Global Group, a company that also owns the international beauty contest.
According to the Bangkok Post report, Jakrajutatip was found guilty of fraud in corporate bond investments worth 951,927 US dollars or Rp. 15 billion. The verdict was handed down by the Bangkok South Kwaeng Court on Friday, December 26. However, Jakrajutatip was reported to be absent at the trial and is currently still at large.
The case began in 2023 when a plastic surgeon accused Jakrajutatip of fraud and hiding information while persuading him to invest in his company.
Jakrajutatip was previously released on bail, but then failed to appear in court so he was considered at risk of fleeing.
The court stated that between July 24 and August 8, 2023, Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group Plc allegedly provided false information and concealed facts so that the victims were encouraged to invest in the company's bonds, even though they knew the company's financial condition was difficult and it was likely that they would not be able to repay the investment.
"Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group Plc are suspected of obtaining assets worth 30 million baht (Rp15 billion) from the victim, which caused financial losses," wrote the Bangkok Post, quoted from the People's website.
Local media even reported that Jakrajutatip might have fled to Mexico, coinciding with the coronation of Fátima Bosch as Miss Universe 2025 on November 20 in Bangkok.
In addition, the Associated Press reported that the Mexican bank account of Raúl Rocha, president and co-owner of Miss Universe, was frozen in a criminal investigation related to alleged involvement in organized crime, including fuel theft, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking.
Until now, the Thai court has not given an official response regarding the status of fugitive Jakrajutatip, and this case remains a global spotlight given his position as one of the owners of international beauty events.
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