The investigation into Raúl Rocha Cantú, co-owner of Miss Universe, has gained significant attention. Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) announced on November 29, 2024, that it is probing Rocha Cantú for potential links to organized crime, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and fuel theft.
Details Surrounding the Investigation
The FGR noted that the inquiry, initiated after receiving pertinent information from the Security and Citizen Protection Secretariat, affects multiple individuals. A federal judge has issued arrest warrants for 13 unnamed suspects, with one federal official already detained.
Raúl Rocha Cantú’s Profile
Rocha Cantú’s ongoing investigation is characterized by the collection of crucial evidence to clarify his legal standing. Public reports regarding Rocha have surfaced, supporting the depth of the investigation. The FGR is expected to unveil further details as additional arrests are made and legal proceedings unfold.
Connection to Miss Universe and Recent Controversies
The probe emerged shortly after Fátima Bosch’s controversial victory at the Miss Universe competition. Omar Harfouch, a judge from the event, publicly resigned, accusing Rocha Cantú of pressuring him to vote for Bosch, asserting that it would benefit their business interests. Harfouch also claimed that Rocha has connections with Bosch’s father, Bernardo Bosch Hernández, an advisor to the Mexican state oil company, Pemex.
Pemex’s Involvement
- Pemex confirmed a temporary contract in 2023 with two companies associated with Rocha.
- The relationship has since ended, with assurance that the involved official did not take part in the contracting process.
- Rocha defended the contract, stating it was established through a highly competitive bidding process involving 15 participants, and only 44 million pesos (approximately US$2.3 million) were spent from the total budget.
Rocha’s Response to Allegations
Rocha Cantú has strongly denied all allegations, labeling them as false. In a statement, he accused critics of spreading misinformation and manipulating facts. He emphasized that his company acquired a 50% stake in Miss Universe in January 2024, merely a year after the Pemex contract, and only met the Bosch family in 2025.
As the situation unfolds, the FGR is committed to providing updates regarding the investigation and any new developments in this high-profile case.
