A Bangkok court has issued an arrest warrant for Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip after she vanished before a scheduled fraud hearing, exposing how corporate corruption has infiltrated even America’s most iconic beauty pageant.
Story Snapshot
- Thai court issues arrest warrant for Miss Universe co-owner after no-show in $930,000 fraud case
- Anne Jakrajutatip accused of defrauding investor through corporate bond scheme in 2023
- JKN Global Group delisted from Thai stock exchange for financial misconduct and falsifying statements
- Company owes $93 million in debt while Jakrajutatip’s whereabouts remain unknown
Corporate Flight Risk Emerges in High-Profile Fraud Case
Bangkok’s South District Court issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip on November 26, 2025, after the Miss Universe co-owner failed to appear for a scheduled verdict hearing. The court deemed Jakrajutatip a flight risk due to her unexplained absence and lack of prior notification. Dr. Raweewat Maschamadol filed fraud charges against Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group, alleging they defrauded him of approximately $930,000 through a fraudulent corporate bond deal in 2023.
Pattern of Financial Misconduct Exposed
JKN Global Group’s financial troubles extend far beyond this single fraud case. The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission delisted the company from the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2024 for financial misconduct, including falsifying financial statements. The company entered debt rehabilitation with reported obligations exceeding $93 million, raising serious questions about corporate governance and investor protection. These regulatory actions demonstrate a clear pattern of financial irresponsibility that should concern American investors and business partners.
Miss Universe Brand Tainted by Ownership Scandal
JKN Global Group acquired the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million in 2022, marking the first time a Thai company owned the globally recognized American brand. However, financial difficulties forced JKN to sell a 50% stake to Mexico’s Legacy Holding Group USA in 2023, just as fraud allegations surfaced. The pageant industry has already faced numerous controversies under this ownership, including recent host and judge controversies during Miss Universe 2025 held in Bangkok.
This scandal highlights how foreign ownership can expose American cultural institutions to questionable business practices and financial instability. The Miss Universe brand, once owned by Donald Trump from 1996 to 2015, now finds itself embroiled in international fraud allegations and corporate mismanagement. Jakrajutatip resigned from all company positions after SEC accusations, but her disappearance before the court hearing suggests potential accountability evasion that undermines investor confidence and legal justice.
Sources:
Arrest warrant issued for former Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip
Arrest warrant Miss Universe co-owner issued after court no-show fraud case
Thai court orders arrest of Miss Universe co-owner in 930,000 fraud case
Thai court issues arrest warrant Miss Universe co-owner fraud case
