In Mexico City, federal judge Ricardo Alfonso Santos Dorantes ordered the detention of Raúl Rocha Cantú, principal shareholder of Miss Universe, and five other individuals for alleged involvement in an organization dedicated to money laundering. The measure is based on an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) which indicates that between 2014 and 2025 almost 3 000 billion Mexican pesos were moved through six companies. The operation allegedly concentrated deposits, transferred funds between accounts, and moved resources considered to be of illicit origin.
Details of the accused
The order includes Mauricio Jesús Rocha Botello, son of Raúl Rocha and president of Miss Universe México; Andrés Javier Vázquez Ruiz; Alberto Charlan Salazar; Heliodoro Vargas Durán; and Luis Aquilino Vásquez. They are charged with crimes of organized crime and operations with resources of illicit origin. According to the FGR, Rocha and two of the others hold leadership roles, while the rest performed supervisory tasks.
Repetition of the judicial prosecution
This is the second arrest warrant facing Rocha Cantú. In December 2025 he was sought for another investigation linking the businessman to alleged organized crime in the trafficking of weapons and hydrocarbons. In that case he obtained the benefit of a cooperating witness, but the Prosecutor’s Office revoked that status and reactivated the proceedings to achieve his capture.
Uncertain whereabouts of the businessman
In June 2026 a video circulated showing Rocha Cantú walking through the streets of Monaco, displaying a luxury watch. The recording again attracted attention after the new judicial order, although it does not confirm his current location. The judicial measure does not constitute a conviction, but an action within a criminal investigation.
Impact on the pageant world
The case generates judicial pressure on the businessman and his family circle, and raises questions about the financial management of the Miss Universe pageant. Mexican authorities continue investigating the alleged movement of billions of pesos through corporate entities and bank accounts.
Source credits: n.com.do
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