The Swiss bar owner implicated in the tragic New Year’s Eve inferno has been apprehended and identified as a potential flight risk by authorities. Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica are now under investigation for criminal manslaughter following the fatal incident at the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort on New Year’s Day. A fire, suspected to have been ignited by sparklers placed in champagne bottles, claimed the lives of approximately 40 individuals and left 119 others with severe burns.
The couple is facing charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Mr. Moretti, the manager of the ill-fated Le Constellation bar, reportedly has a history of criminal convictions, including involvement in sex trafficking cases. Allegations suggest he was previously convicted of pimping in France and was linked to a sex worker case known as the ‘Hot Rabbit’ affair.
Mr. Moretti’s legal troubles extend to Switzerland, where he was accused of recruiting French women for sexual services. Despite denying the charges, he received a suspended sentence for incitement to prostitution. The couple’s background includes a relocation to Switzerland due to Mr. Moretti’s troubled past in France. They transformed an ordinary café into a chic nightclub, where the fatal fire occurred.
The ongoing investigation is examining the role of the bar owners and authorities in the fire incident, which began in the bar’s basement. It is believed that the use of sparklers near sound insulation foam may have triggered a catastrophic blaze. Questions have arisen about fire safety measures at the bar, as no inspections had been conducted since 2019. The couple also operates a burger bar and a restaurant in addition to the nightclub.
Despite their denials, Jessica Moretti has been placed under restrictions, including regular check-ins with the police and wearing an electronic monitoring device. Mr. Moretti expressed distress over the tragedy, asserting compliance with regulations and cooperation with the investigation. The blaze, which engulfed the club packed with revelers from around the world, has prompted a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deadly event.
