Former Miss Universe CEO Sentenced to Prison in Thailand Over $1m Fraud Case

The Bangkok South Kwaeng Court delivered the verdict on 26 December, finding that Anne, co-founder of JKN Global Group, misled an investor into purchasing company bonds while concealing the firm’s financial difficulties. The court also imposed fines on the company.

Anne, 46, did not appear in court and remains at large. Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant, describing her failure to attend hearings as an attempt to evade justice. Local media reports claim she converted large sums of money into cryptocurrency before fleeing Thailand and is believed to be hiding in South America.

The case stems from a complaint filed in 2023 by plastic surgeon Raviwat Maschamadol, who accused Anne of providing false and incomplete information to secure his investment. The court ruled that more than $950,000 had been obtained through deception, constituting fraud under Thailand’s criminal code.

Anne rose to global prominence after acquiring the Miss Universe organisation in 2022 and was previously listed by Forbes as one of the world’s wealthiest transgender business figures. However, mounting financial problems at JKN led to multiple legal disputes, and she stepped down as Miss Universe CEO in mid-2025.

The conviction adds to growing scrutiny surrounding the pageant’s ownership, as its co-owner, Mexico-based Legacy Holding Group, is also facing separate legal investigations.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the overnight operation hit two ships carrying weapons and combat vehicles intended for the Southern Transitional Council (STC).