Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Miss Universe CEO Over Fraud Charges
A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip — the former CEO of Miss Universe — after she failed to appear for her sentencing hearing in a major fraud case and was deemed to be fleeing.
Anne Jakkaphong, the media mogul famously known as the “beauty pageant queenmaker,” rose to global attention after acquiring the Miss Universe Organization for USD 20 million. — Photo: Thairath
According to Thairath on November 25, the Phra Khanong Criminal Court in southern Bangkok proceeded with a case filed by plaintiff Raweewat Maschamadon against JKN Global Group Public Company Limited and transgender billionaire Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, accusing them of participating in a fraudulent investment scheme.
30 Million Baht Fraud Case
The lawsuit alleges that between July 24 and August 8, 2023, the defendants used false information and concealed crucial facts to lure the plaintiff into purchasing corporate bonds issued by JKN.
Despite knowing that the company was facing severe financial distress and lacked the ability to pay its debts on time, the defendants continued soliciting investments — causing the plaintiff a loss of 30 million baht. Raweewat demanded prosecution under Section 341 of Thailand’s Criminal Code.
The court accepted the case and initially granted Anne Jakkaphong temporary release on bail. She was also allowed to be tried in absentia during the proceedings.
After evidence collection concluded, the court scheduled sentencing for today (November 25). However, Anne was absent and provided no explanation, leading the court to rule that she was intentionally evading the process. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued to ensure her presence at the next hearing.
Because her guarantor failed to produce her in court, the court revoked the bail and ordered the full bond amount forfeited, requiring payment within 15 days.
The First Transgender Owner of Miss Universe
Born in 1979, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip became widely known after purchasing the Miss Universe franchise for USD 20 million.
In Thailand, she is considered one of the most influential figures in the media and entertainment landscape.
She also made history as the first transgender woman to own the Miss Universe Organization in its 71-year history.
Under her leadership, the pageant underwent significant transformations, most notably the expansion of eligibility rules — allowing married women and mothers to compete — a move praised for promoting diversity and empowering women worldwide.
Her restructuring of national licensing systems, demonstrated her ambition to push Miss Universe into a new era.
According to Forbes, as of 2020, Anne Jakkaphong was recognized as the richest transgender woman in Thailand and Asia, and the third wealthiest transgender individual globally.
