Published on: December 1, 2025, 02:47h.
Updated on: December 1, 2025, 02:47h.
- Co-owner of Miss Universe Rocha faces trafficking allegations tied to cartels
- Casino Royale tragedy lingers for tycoon connected to Miss Universe turmoil
- Honorary consul of Guatemala dismissed as Rocha confronts fuel-smuggling charges
A prominent Mexican entrepreneur, involved in traditional casinos, online gaming, and the Miss Universe pageant, is currently sought after in Mexico for his suspected involvement in a trafficking operation for fuel, weapons, and drugs, connected to cartel organizations.
Raúl Rocha Cantú co-owns the Miss Universe pageant through his enterprise, Legacy Holding Group. He was previously the proprietor of Casino Royale in Monterrey, Mexico, which witnessed a horrific cartel attack in 2011, claiming the lives of 52 individuals.
This tragedy is not connected to the recent decision by Mexican authorities to formally accuse Rocha of trafficking and being part of a criminal organization.
Issuance of Arrest Warrant
As per allegations from the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), Rocha allegedly leads a criminal network involved in smuggling fuel, arms, and narcotics across the Guatemala-Mexico border. He supposedly funneled the illegal proceeds into his legitimate enterprises.
Additionally, it’s reported that he financed a source providing insider information regarding the investigation against him, according to El Pais.
Prosecutors assert that the evidence against Rocha includes recorded phone conversations and financial documents linking him to organized crime, which involves the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Mexico City-based La Unión Tepito.
Rocha has been residing in the US and Guatemala since the Casino Royale assault, where he held the title of “honorary consul” until last Thursday, when this title was revoked by the Guatemalan government. His current location remains unknown.
The Casino Royale Incident
On August 25, 2011, armed assailants linked to the Los Zetas Cartel stormed Casino Royale. They ignited gasoline inside the building after blocking exits, setting it ablaze.
Rescue efforts required heavy machinery to break through walls from a nearby construction site to reach those trapped within.
The 52 victims mainly succumbed to smoke inhalation, marking it as one of the most heinous cartel-related attacks in history, labeled by authorities as an act of terror.
Prior to the incident, the casino had received extortion demands for protection payments, which Rocha had refused. Subsequently, local officials sought to question Rocha regarding the attack, but he had already fled to the US, citing fears for his safety.
Miss Universe Controversy
Rocha secured a 50% stake in the Miss Universe competition in January 2024, with his last public appearance taking place at this year’s pageant in Nonthaburi, Thailand, just before the charges became public.
Earlier, during a pre-pageant event, Miss Universe director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly admonished Fátima Bosch, Miss Mexico, for allegedly not participating in a promotional photoshoot, reportedly labeling her a “dumb-head.”
When Bosch attempted to respond, she was removed from the premises by security personnel. This moment was live-streamed, as was the subsequent protest by several contestants who walked out in solidarity.
Upon Bosch being crowned winner on November 21, rumors of the contest being “rigged” circulated after the resignation of two judges during the competition.
Soon after, it was revealed that Rocha had entered into a 2023 agreement with Pemex, the state-run oil company where the winner’s father, Bernardo Bosch, had long held a managerial position—although there’s no evidence suggesting this connection influenced the outcome of the competition.