Swiss bar owners face scrutiny over deadly fire and past crimes

Tragic Fire in Crans-Montana Claims 40 Lives

Nestled in a snow-capped Alpine valley, the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana seems picture perfect. However, the deaths of 40 people during a New Year’s celebration have revealed a darker side of Switzerland.

This week, disturbing rumors have emerged about the owners of the Le Constellation bar, where many youngsters lost their lives. If true, this information may help bereaved families find answers about how a country known for low crime could allow such a devastating fire.

Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who transformed Le Constellation into a trendy bar in 2015, are facing questions about their actions before, during, and after the fire on New Year’s Day.

Safety Concerns and Arrests

The venue had only three safety checks over the past decade. There is no explanation for why highly flammable sound-proofing was allowed to remain on the ceiling. On Friday, Jacques, 49, was arrested after being deemed a “flight risk.” Earlier in the week, footage showed Jessica, 40, who was injured in the blaze, taking cash from the till as the fire started.

During the emergency, someone removed social media images of the bar, which could have provided important evidence. Journalists asking questions at the couple’s other businesses claim they have been attacked and threatened.

Criminal Background and Financial Questions

Jacques reportedly has previous convictions related to kidnap, fraud, and prostitution. Investigators believe he moved to Switzerland from France to escape his criminal past. A source stated, “He was always in trouble with the law in France.”

The Morettis bought £2.7 million worth of property in Crans-Montana in cash and pay £37,000 a month in rent in cash. Few people in the resort knew about Jacques’s past, which allegedly includes connections to an erotic massage parlour in Geneva.

Legal Issues and Investigations

Jacques was sentenced to 12 months in prison for “inciting” prostitution, with eight months suspended. He also spent time in jail in 2005 for a kidnap case. His most recent conviction was in 2010 for social security fraud.

Jessica, born in 1985, moved to Switzerland with Jacques in 2015. They managed Le Constellation, which they renovated, but did not buy until 2022. The bar had been in the resort since the early 2000s but was only a basic café-bar.

Allegations of Negligence

Investigators are looking into whether the Morettis operated without the necessary permits. A former employee claimed she left because she was asked to wear a skimpy top to attract customers. Other staff alleged that the fire extinguisher was often locked away.

If the allegations are proven, the Morettis could face multi-year prison sentences and large fines. Compensation for victims is also likely, along with a ban on the Morettis running businesses in the area for at least ten years.

Ongoing Investigations

The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal inquiry due to the number of French nationals involved. One of the nine French citizens who died was just 14 years old. In Switzerland, managers have significant responsibility for safety in public places.

Investigators described Le Constellation as a “deathtrap.” Sébastien Fanti, a lawyer for surviving victims, believes the Morettis should be held in custody. He stated, “I will be requesting the arrest of these individuals.”

Community Concerns

Locals have questioned why some businesses received yearly checks while others did not. Cédric Berger, President of the Association of Apartment and Chalet Owners in Crans-Montana, said, “Everything indicates that this was a preventable disaster.”

Images show sparklers were regularly used in the bar, and the dangers were known. Jacques and Jessica Moretti stated they would not “shirk their responsibilities” and have “full confidence in the investigators.”