A devastating fire that ripped through a popular bar in the Swiss Alps on New Year's Eve, claiming 40 lives and injuring over 100, has taken a shocking turn with revelations about the criminal past of one of its owners. Jacques Moretti, a French national who co-owned Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, is a known figure to French justice with convictions for serious crimes including pimping, fraud, and kidnapping.
A History Steeped in Crime
European media reports, citing French newspaper Le Parisien, have exposed Jacques Moretti's extensive criminal record spanning more than two decades. He is described as a "known pimp" with cases dating back about twenty years. His criminal history is not limited to pimping; it also includes a conviction for kidnapping and false imprisonment, for which he served time in a prison in Savoie in the French Alps.
Belgian radio network RTL, citing a legal source, confirmed that Moretti's prison stint involved multiple charges: pimping, fraud, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. This background stands in stark contrast to his role as the co-owner of a swanky nightclub in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, which he ran with his wife Jessica since 2015.
The Deadly New Year's Eve Blaze
The tragic incident occurred during New Year's celebrations at Le Constellation bar. Preliminary investigations by Swiss authorities suggest the fire started when champagne bottles decorated with sparklers or incandescent candles were brought too close to the ceiling, igniting it and causing a rapid, deadly conflagration. Hundreds of revelers were trapped inside the venue.
Swiss attorney general Beatrice Pilloud stated that the blaze was likely caused by these candles, leading to a widespread fire. While Jacques Moretti was not present at the club during the incident, his wife Jessica was on-site and reportedly suffered burns to her arms while attempting to escape.
Potential Criminal Charges and Ongoing Probe
As of now, Jacques Moretti and his wife have not been formally charged or detained but are cooperating with authorities. However, Swiss prosecutors are preparing a potential case. According to reports, they plan to open an inquiry into "arson by negligence" and "manslaughter by negligence" against the couple if they are found criminally liable for the safety lapses that led to the disaster.
Moretti has maintained that the establishment "followed all safety regulations" mandated by Swiss law. However, a report highlighted that the club had been inspected only three times in the past ten years, raising serious questions about oversight and compliance. The investigation will scrutinize these safety protocols and the owners' responsibility in the context of the horrific fire that ended 2025 on a note of profound tragedy.
