Jakkaphong Anne Jakrajutatip, former CEO of JKN Global Group and the Miss Universe Organization, has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Thai court over a fraud case involving 30 million baht (about US$930,000).
On Friday, the Phra Khanong Tai District Court found both Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group guilty of fraud as accomplices under Thai criminal law, according to Khaosod English. The company was fined 40,000 baht, while Jakrajutatip received a two-year prison term without probation.
Jakrajutatip did not attend the hearing. She is believed to have converted around 6 billion baht into cryptocurrency and fled Thailand, reportedly with assistance from a former business partner, Cantu. She is now thought to be living in South America, according to the South China Morning Post.
Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, former CEO of JKN Global Group and Miss Universe Organization. Photo from Anne’s Instagram |
The plaintiff, Dr. Raviwat Maschamadol, accused the defendants of deceiving him through false representations and the concealment of material facts. Between July 24 and August 8, 2023, they allegedly provided misleading information and withheld details about JKN’s financial difficulties to persuade him to invest in the company’s bonds, despite knowing the firm was unable to meet repayment obligations.
The court ruled that they misappropriated 30 million baht from the plaintiff through deceptive actions.
On Nov. 25, the court issued an arrest warrant for Anne after she failed to appear at the South Bangkok Criminal Court. The court said her absence was an attempt to evade justice.
Anne, 46, is a prominent transgender businesswoman in Thailand and former CEO of JKN Global Group. Forbes ranked her as the world’s third-richest transgender person in 2020 with an estimated net worth of US$210 million.
In recent years, JKN faced financial difficulties, leading to multiple disputes and lawsuits involving Anne. She resigned as CEO of Miss Universe on June 20.
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