The proprietor of a Swiss establishment that was engulfed in a fatal inferno on New Year’s Eve has been apprehended by authorities, who consider him a potential flight risk.
Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica are now under scrutiny for possible criminal manslaughter following a tragic event at the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland on New Year’s Day. A devastating fire erupted as celebrants welcomed the new year in 2026, allegedly triggered by sparklers placed inside champagne bottles.
Regrettably, around 40 individuals perished in the bar blaze, with 119 others sustaining severe burns. The Morettis are facing charges of negligence leading to manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson.
The manager of the ill-fated Le Constellation bar is reported to have a history of criminal convictions. Previous legal troubles include a conviction for pimping in Annecy, France, in 2008, and a prison sentence in southeastern France related to the ‘Hot Rabbit’ sex worker case. Legal representatives for fire victims have characterized Mr. Moretti as a questionable figure with dubious practices.
Reports reveal that Mr. Moretti was involved in a case where he recruited French women as sex workers for a massage parlor in Geneva. He has a history of pimping allegations dating back two decades along with other criminal accusations.
Denying the charges, Mr. Moretti admitted managing the massage parlor under a Swiss pimp’s name, which was legal in Switzerland. However, he was sentenced to prison for his actions related to procuring prostitution in France.
The couple, originally from Corsica, relocated to Switzerland due to Jacques’ troubled legal past. They transformed a café bar into a nightclub in 2015, attracting young customers in the ski resort.
The tragic fire allegedly started in the bar’s basement due to champagne bottles with sparklers coming into contact with flammable ceiling insulation. Authorities are investigating the responsibilities of the bar owners and the lack of fire safety inspections since 2019.
Despite the ongoing investigations and accusations, the couple maintains their innocence. They face legal restrictions, with Jessica required to check in with the police regularly and wear an electronic monitoring device.
Speaking out for the first time since the incident, Jacques expressed deep distress over the tragedy and emphasized their commitment to cooperate with authorities to uncover the causes of the fire.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, focusing on the events leading to the catastrophic blaze at the bar.
For any further details, email julia.banim@reachplc.com.