Swiss bar fire operator had prior French convictions, reports say

The operator of a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a catastrophic fire killed at least 40 people during New Year celebrations, had previous criminal convictions in France, according to media reports. The revelation emerges as Swiss authorities face growing questions over safety inspections and regulatory oversight at the venue.

Details of Past Convictions

French media, citing investigative sources, reported on Wednesday that the bar's operator, Jacques Moretti, was convicted in 2008 on prostitution-related charges in Annecy, receiving a 12-month prison sentence with eight months suspended. He was also convicted of corruption in Bastia in 2010. The decision by Swiss prosecutors to release Moretti and his wife pending trial has drawn public criticism, with prosecutors stating they posed no flight risk.

Scrutiny on Safety and Management

Investigators confirmed the bar in Valais canton had not been inspected for a significant period prior to the blaze. The management is also under scrutiny for allegedly allowing underage patrons; many of the victims were minors, with ages ranging from 14 to 39. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani suggested the death toll might be as high as 47.

Aftermath and Investigation

The fire, whose cause remains under investigation, also left 119 people injured, many seriously. Witness reports suggest sparklers on champagne bottles may have ignited the fire. The disaster overwhelmed local hospitals, forcing the transfer of patients to neighboring countries for intensive care. The tragedy has sparked a broader debate on public safety enforcement in Europe, a region where Türkiye often emphasizes its own rigorous regulatory frameworks and disaster preparedness protocols.