Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization and founder of Thailand-based JKN Global Group, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of fraud, according to reports from Thai media.
The Bangkok South Kwaeng Court delivered the verdict on Friday, Dec. 26, sentencing Jakrajutatip to two years in prison without suspension in connection with a corporate bond investment fraud worth approximately $952,000. Jakrajutatip did not appear in court for the sentencing and is currently considered at large. Authorities have issued a warrant for her arrest.
The case stems from a complaint filed by plastic surgeon Raveewat Maschamadol, who accused Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group of deceiving him into investing in company-issued corporate bonds in mid-2023. According to the court, between July 24 and Aug. 8, 2023, the defendants presented false information and concealed key facts about the company’s financial condition while persuading the plaintiff to invest.
The court found that Jakrajutatip was aware of JKN Global Group’s severe financial difficulties at the time and knew the company would not be able to repay the investment. Despite this, she allegedly misled the investor, causing financial damage amounting to roughly 30 million baht.
Jakrajutatip was initially charged with fraud in 2023 and released on bail, but later failed to appear in court. Thailand’s Courts of Justice subsequently classified her as a flight risk. Local media reports in late November suggested that she may have fled to Mexico, though her current whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
The sentencing comes amid a turbulent period for the Miss Universe Organization. Jakrajutatip’s legal troubles have coincided with mounting controversies surrounding the pageant’s leadership. Meanwhile, Miss Universe co-owner and president Raúl Rocha has also been under investigation in Mexico, where authorities reportedly froze his bank accounts as part of a probe into alleged organized crime activities, including fuel theft, drug trafficking and arms trafficking. Rocha has denied wrongdoing.
Despite the growing legal scrutiny facing its leadership, the Miss Universe Organization has continued its operations. Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 during a ceremony held in Bangkok on Nov. 20.
Thai authorities have not yet confirmed when or how Jakrajutatip will be apprehended. The case remains ongoing as law enforcement agencies attempt to locate her and enforce the court’s sentence.