Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The co-owners of the Miss Universe Organization are facing charges: Rocha Cantu of Mexico on accusations that include drug and fuel trafficking, and Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip of Thailand with failing to appear at a hearing involving fraud.
The pageant has been embroiled in other controversies this year, including Jakkaphong out as CEO, financial instability, accusations of rigged judging and resignations by two of them, and protests by several contestants.
Prosecutors confirmed to media in Mexico that Cantu was formally charged by federal authorities in Mexico on accusations that include drug trafficking, illicit fuel distribution, weapons smuggling and participation in organized criminal activity.
The Attorney General's Office requested an arrest warrant, the Spanish version of Forbes reported.
His multinational criminal network allegedly was operating for years under the guise of legitimate business structures.
