Arrest warrant for ex-Miss Universe CEO Anne Jakrajutatip issued by Thai court — reports

An arrest warrant for former Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip has been issued, Thai media outlets report.

According to Khaosod English, the arrest warrant came after Jakrajutatip missed the verdict hearing of her fraud case that involved 30million Thai baht or around P54,691,674.24.    

Jakrajutatip also failed to give an explanation on her absence, which the South Bangkok Criminal Court took to suggest "she intended to evade justice and ordered her arrest."

"The case was filed by Dr. Raweewat Maschamadol against JKN Global Group Public Company Limited (defendant 1) and Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip (defendant 2) on charges of joint fraud through false representation and concealment of facts," Khaosod English said.

In its report, The Nation Thailand said the defendants got the plaintiff to invest in corporate bonds that amounted to 30 million baht, despite knowing they couldn't repay funds.

"The court found sufficient grounds to proceed with the case and allowed the second defendant to be released on bail with permission to have the case heard in absentia. After evidence from both sides was presented, the court scheduled the verdict for November 25," Khaosod English reported.

Apart from ordering her arrest following her absence, the court also ordered full forfeiture of Jakrajutatip bail, as well as a rescheduling of the verdict hearing to December 26.

 Meanwhile, reports say Jakrajutatip has fled to Mexico. 

According to South China Morning Post, "political activist Sondhi Limthongkul accused Jakapong [Jakrajutatip] of relocating to Mexico to evade the rehabilitation plan [of JKN] and other legal obligations."

In its report, Khaosod English said the alleged Mexico relocation took place as "rumors emerged that Anne Jakkaphong [Jakrajutatip] had converted 6 billion baht ($186 million) into cryptocurrency."

"On November 24, JKN Global issued a statement denying these rumors, attributing delayed debt payments to economic slowdown and cash flow discrepancies rather than fraud. The company stated that investigations by government agencies are ongoing and that no wrongdoing has been established. JKN affirmed its commitment to transparent operations and cooperation with all parties," Khaosod English added.

Jakrajutatip stepped down as CEO of Miss Universe on June 20 as her company JKN experienced a reorganization of board members. Earlier in the year, the Miss Universe Organization distanced itself from Jakrajutatip's mounting legal issues. 

Jakrajutatip is an influential transgender who made history when she bought the Miss Universe organization in 2023.

News about her legal troubles come as the MUO is experiencing its own set of controversies. — LA, GMA Integrated News