Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Thai court after being found guilty of fraud involving 30 million baht (about US$930,000), according to local media reports.
On Friday, Dec. 26, the Phra Khanong Tai District Court ruled that Jakrajutatip and her company, JKN Global Group, committed fraud as accomplices under Thai criminal law, Khaosod English reported. The court handed Jakrajutatip a two-year prison term without probation, while JKN Global Group was fined 40,000 baht.
Jakrajutatip did not attend the hearing. Authorities believe she converted roughly 6 billion baht into cryptocurrency and fled Thailand, reportedly with help from a former business partner. She is now thought to be residing in South America, according to the South China Morning Post.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Dr. Raviwat Maschamadol, who accused the defendants of deceiving him into investing in JKN bonds in mid-2023. The court said Jakrajutatip and the company misrepresented JKN’s financial condition and concealed key details despite knowing the firm was unable to repay its obligations.
An arrest warrant was issued in November after Jakrajutatip failed to appear in court. The 46-year-old transgender businesswoman rose to prominence as the former CEO of JKN Global Group and the Miss Universe Organization, a role she resigned from in June amid mounting legal and financial troubles.
