Topline: Raúl Rocha is the alleged head of a syndicate trafficking drugs, arms, and fuel between Guatemala and Mexico.
Published: November 29, 2025 3:08 pm ET
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Raúl Rocha (via Getty)
MEXICO CITY — Raúl Rocha, president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, was charged in Mexico with organized crime involving drug, weapon, and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico.
The charges were reported on Nov. 26, by the Mexican newspaper Reforma. The news came just days after the organization’s 2025 pageant ceremony, which was marred by controversy.
Prosecutors allege Rocha, who also serves as Guatemala’s consul in Mexico, is the leader of a criminal network that smuggles fuel by boat along the Usumacinta River before transporting it by truck to Querétaro.
On Aug. 6, Yazmín Mayoral Marín, an agent with Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, requested an arrest warrant for Rocha on charges tied to narcotics and firearms trafficking, Reforma reported.
Investigators say they uncovered records of Rocha’s financial contributions to the enterprise during raids on private residences. One document reportedly showed a payment of 2.1 million pesos, about $105,000.
In the warrant, Mexico’s Attorney General said Rocha’s group maintains ties with politicians and officials at every level of government. It’s alleged these connections help the network carry out its criminal operations. The enterprise is accused of selling fuel, narcotics and large quantities of weapons.
Federal sources told Reforma that Rocha approached the Mexican Attorney General in October seeking a plea deal that would exchange information for immunity.
The charges add to weeks of turmoil surrounding the pageant. On Nov. 24, Rocha told a Mexican journalist he was “so fed up” with the organization, which he acquired in January 2024, and was “looking for someone to pass it on to.”
Earlier in November, the Miss Universe pageant faced backlash. Executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly criticized Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch for allegedly refusing a promotional photo shoot.
The much publicized confrontation sparked a walkout by several Miss Universe contestants. Rocha later sanctioned Itsaragrisil, barring him from participating in the event.
Days before the ceremony, musician Omar Harfouch resigned from the Miss Universe judging panel. He claimed the organization had formed an “impromptu jury” to select 30 finalists before the preliminary round.
The Miss Universe pageant organization denied the allegation. Harfouch later told People magazine he quit after Rocha refused his request for transparency in the competition process. He also alleged a contestant had an affair with a member of the selection committee.
The criminal charges against Rocha deepen the crisis for the Miss Universe Organization, which has faced mounting scandals since his takeover last year.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Miss Universe President Charged for Trafficking Drugs, Guns, and Fuel
Raúl Rocha is the alleged head of a syndicate trafficking drugs, arms, and fuel between Guatemala and Mexico.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 29, 2025 3:08 pm ET
Raúl Rocha (via Getty)
MEXICO CITY — Raúl Rocha, president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, was charged in Mexico with organized crime involving drug, weapon, and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico.
The charges were reported on Nov. 26, by the Mexican newspaper Reforma. The news came just days after the organization’s 2025 pageant ceremony, which was marred by controversy.
Prosecutors allege Rocha, who also serves as Guatemala’s consul in Mexico, is the leader of a criminal network that smuggles fuel by boat along the Usumacinta River before transporting it by truck to Querétaro.
On Aug. 6, Yazmín Mayoral Marín, an agent with Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, requested an arrest warrant for Rocha on charges tied to narcotics and firearms trafficking, Reforma reported.
Investigators say they uncovered records of Rocha’s financial contributions to the enterprise during raids on private residences. One document reportedly showed a payment of 2.1 million pesos, about $105,000.
In the warrant, Mexico’s Attorney General said Rocha’s group maintains ties with politicians and officials at every level of government. It’s alleged these connections help the network carry out its criminal operations. The enterprise is accused of selling fuel, narcotics and large quantities of weapons.
Federal sources told Reforma that Rocha approached the Mexican Attorney General in October seeking a plea deal that would exchange information for immunity.
The charges add to weeks of turmoil surrounding the pageant. On Nov. 24, Rocha told a Mexican journalist he was “so fed up” with the organization, which he acquired in January 2024, and was “looking for someone to pass it on to.”
Earlier in November, the Miss Universe pageant faced backlash. Executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly criticized Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch for allegedly refusing a promotional photo shoot.
The much publicized confrontation sparked a walkout by several Miss Universe contestants. Rocha later sanctioned Itsaragrisil, barring him from participating in the event.
Days before the ceremony, musician Omar Harfouch resigned from the Miss Universe judging panel. He claimed the organization had formed an “impromptu jury” to select 30 finalists before the preliminary round.
The Miss Universe pageant organization denied the allegation. Harfouch later told People magazine he quit after Rocha refused his request for transparency in the competition process. He also alleged a contestant had an affair with a member of the selection committee.
The criminal charges against Rocha deepen the crisis for the Miss Universe Organization, which has faced mounting scandals since his takeover last year.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Miss Universe President Charged for Trafficking Drugs, Guns, and Fuel
Raúl Rocha is the alleged head of a syndicate trafficking drugs, arms, and fuel between Guatemala and Mexico.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 29, 2025 3:08 pm ET
Raúl Rocha (via Getty)
MEXICO CITY — Raúl Rocha, president and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, was charged in Mexico with organized crime involving drug, weapon, and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico.
The charges were reported on Nov. 26, by the Mexican newspaper Reforma. The news came just days after the organization’s 2025 pageant ceremony, which was marred by controversy.
Prosecutors allege Rocha, who also serves as Guatemala’s consul in Mexico, is the leader of a criminal network that smuggles fuel by boat along the Usumacinta River before transporting it by truck to Querétaro.
On Aug. 6, Yazmín Mayoral Marín, an agent with Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, requested an arrest warrant for Rocha on charges tied to narcotics and firearms trafficking, Reforma reported.
Investigators say they uncovered records of Rocha’s financial contributions to the enterprise during raids on private residences. One document reportedly showed a payment of 2.1 million pesos, about $105,000.
In the warrant, Mexico’s Attorney General said Rocha’s group maintains ties with politicians and officials at every level of government. It’s alleged these connections help the network carry out its criminal operations. The enterprise is accused of selling fuel, narcotics and large quantities of weapons.
Federal sources told Reforma that Rocha approached the Mexican Attorney General in October seeking a plea deal that would exchange information for immunity.
The charges add to weeks of turmoil surrounding the pageant. On Nov. 24, Rocha told a Mexican journalist he was “so fed up” with the organization, which he acquired in January 2024, and was “looking for someone to pass it on to.”
Earlier in November, the Miss Universe pageant faced backlash. Executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly criticized Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch for allegedly refusing a promotional photo shoot.
The much publicized confrontation sparked a walkout by several Miss Universe contestants. Rocha later sanctioned Itsaragrisil, barring him from participating in the event.
Days before the ceremony, musician Omar Harfouch resigned from the Miss Universe judging panel. He claimed the organization had formed an “impromptu jury” to select 30 finalists before the preliminary round.
The Miss Universe pageant organization denied the allegation. Harfouch later told People magazine he quit after Rocha refused his request for transparency in the competition process. He also alleged a contestant had an affair with a member of the selection committee.
The criminal charges against Rocha deepen the crisis for the Miss Universe Organization, which has faced mounting scandals since his takeover last year.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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