Miss Universe Owner Raúl Rocha Admits to Illegal Fuel Smuggling amid Trafficking Charges: Report

Miss Universe Owner Admits to Illegal Fuel Smuggling

Raúl Rocha, the president and owner of the Miss Universe Organization, has reportedly confessed to the Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office about his involvement in smuggling fuel from Guatemala into Mexico. The news comes after Rocha faced charges related to trafficking drugs, weapons, and fuel between the two countries.

According to reports from the Mexican newspaper Reforma, Rocha submitted a document acknowledging that he had invested 2.1 million pesos (approximately $116,000) on two occasions to purchase fuel. He expected to not only recover his investment but also receive a share of the profits from selling the fuel.

The allegations against Rocha suggest that he was the leader of a criminal group responsible for smuggling fuel via boats through the Usumacinta River to Querétaro, Mexico. A federal prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for him, and his Mexican bank accounts were frozen by Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.

During the investigation, authorities raided several properties linked to Rocha, uncovering evidence of monetary contributions to the criminal enterprise. The arrest warrant mentioned that the group had ties to politicians and authorities at various government levels to facilitate their illegal activities like selling hydrocarbons, narcotics, and weapons.

Rocha has denied the accusations of drug and weapons trafficking, as reported by Reforma. However, neither Rocha nor the Miss Universe Organization have responded to requests for comments on the matter.

The timing of these revelations is notably close to the 74th Miss Universe pageant, which was marred by scandals even before and after the event took place in November. Several controversies, including disputes amongst participants, contentious judging processes, and allegations of misconduct, have surrounded the pageant.

Rocha’s resignation from the Miss Universe Organization adds another layer of complexity to the situation. His admission to a Mexican journalist about seeking to pass on the pageant ownership further complicates the organization’s future.

In response to the upheaval, the Miss Universe Organization declared that it would be relocating its headquarters from Mexico City to New York City. The decision was attributed to the unstable environment in Mexico, citing legal uncertainties and politically motivated attacks as reasons for the move.

As the legal battle continues for Rocha and the Miss Universe Organization navigates through turbulent waters, the future of one of the most prestigious beauty pageants hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.