BREAKING: Former Miss Universe Owner Anne Jakrajutatip Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Fraud

BANGKOK – In a stunning fall from grace for one of the most prominent figures in global pageantry, a Thai court has sentenced Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip, the former CEO of JKN Global Group and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, to two years in prison without suspension.

The verdict was delivered in absentia by the Bangkok South Kwaeng Court on Friday, December 26, 2025. Jakrajutatip, who failed to appear for the hearing, remains at large. Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant, and reports suggest she may have fled the country.

The Case: Bond Deception and Financial Distress

The criminal conviction stems from a fraud case filed by Dr. Raveewat Maschamadol, founder of Masterpiece Clinic. The court found Jakrajutatip and her company, JKN Global Group, guilty of misleading the plaintiff into investing 30 million baht (approx. $930,000) in corporate bonds.

• The Deception: Between July and August 2023, the court ruled that the defendants presented false information regarding JKN’s financial health.

• The Reality: At the time of the investment, Jakrajutatip was reportedly aware that JKN Global Group was in severe financial distress and would be unable to repay the bonds.

• The Verdict: Jakrajutatip was sentenced to two years in jail under Section 341 of the Criminal Code. JKN Global Group was fined 40,000 baht as an accomplice.

  
  

The Rise and Fall of a Media Mogul

To help you catch up on how we got here, here is a timeline of Anne Jakrajutatip’s recent years:

• October 2022: Anne makes international headlines by acquiring the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, becoming the first transgender woman to own the brand.

• November 2023: JKN Global Group files for bankruptcy/rehabilitation in Thailand just days before the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, citing a "liquidity crunch."

• January 2024: Amid financial pressure, Anne sells a 50% stake in the Miss Universe Organization to Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú.

• June 2025: Anne steps down as CEO of Miss Universe following mounting legal issues and internal restructuring.

• Late 2025: An arrest warrant is issued after she repeatedly skips court hearings, culminating in this week's two-year prison sentence.

  
  

Where is She Now?

Jakrajutatip’s current whereabouts are unknown. While some local reports suggest she may be in Mexico or South America, her legal team has not confirmed her location. Because the sentence was handed down without suspension, she faces immediate imprisonment if apprehended by Thai authorities.

What Happens to Miss Universe?

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has already begun distancing itself from the legal drama. In October 2025, the board appointed Mario Búcaro as the new CEO to lead the organization into its 2026 season. Despite the turmoil, the pageant is expected to continue under the co-ownership of Raúl Rocha Cantú and potential new Thai investors who have recently made bids to "rescue" the brand.