One of the owners of the Swiss ski resort bar where 40 people were killed in a devastating New Year’s Eve fire has a long criminal history stretching back more than two decades, according to European media reports, adding a troubling layer to an already shocking tragedy.
The bar, Le Constellation, is co-owned by Jacques Moretti, a French national in his 60s originally from Corsica. Moretti is now under investigation following the deadly blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight on January 1 in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana. Investigators say revelers were trapped inside after decorative sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited the ceiling, triggering a rapid and uncontrollable fire.
French media have reported that Moretti is “no stranger” to the criminal justice system. According to those reports, he has previously been implicated in multiple criminal cases in France, including offenses related to pimping, fraud, kidnapping, and unlawful confinement, and served a prison sentence in the Savoie region. Belgian outlets have cited similar information from legal sources familiar with his record.
Moretti and his wife, Jessica, have co-owned the nightclub since 2015. Neither has been formally charged as of the latest updates, and both are cooperating with Swiss authorities. Moretti was not present at the bar when the fire broke out, while Jessica reportedly suffered burns to her arms and received medical treatment.
