Sion, Switzerland, January 20, 2026 — A New Year’s Eve tragedy in Crans-Montana remains under intense scrutiny as investigators revealed Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the burned Constellation chalet, possesses a mere 493 Swiss francs in liquid assets despite significant debts.
Moretti Interrogation and Financial Scrutiny
The ongoing investigation into the fire that claimed the lives of 40 young people is focusing on the financial situation of those involved.
Quick fact: The total mortgage debt on the Moretti’s properties exceeds 1.3 million Swiss francs, roughly equivalent to 1.45 million euros.
The first phase of Jacques Moretti’s interrogation concluded late this afternoon in Sion. Moretti, along with his wife Jessica Maric, were owners of the Constellation chalet, which was destroyed by fire on New Year’s Eve. Moretti, currently detained, was questioned by prosecutors for over six hours, with his wife present. Proceedings will resume tomorrow, and a judge has reserved judgment on a potential release pending bail paid by an anonymous friend.
Documents from the investigation reveal the limited financial resources of the Moretti spouses. The couple holds mortgages totaling 1.3 million Swiss francs on their villa in Lens – one for 741,600 Swiss francs and another for 598,900 Swiss francs. Companies registered in their names carry guarantees exceeding 4.5 million euros. Moretti reportedly told investigators he has no hidden assets or secret safes.
Virtual Reconstruction Planned
Prosecutors are pursuing a detailed virtual reconstruction of the fire to determine its origin and spread within the Constellation chalet. The Sion prosecutor’s office has commissioned two experts from the Zurich Forensic Institute to conduct the simulation, working in collaboration with the Swiss Safety Center.
- Jacques Moretti was interrogated for over six hours in Sion.
- The Moretti’s liquid assets total just 493 Swiss francs.
- Significant mortgage debt exists on their properties.
- A virtual reconstruction of the fire is underway.
Deputy Attorney General Catherine Seppey and her colleagues formally appointed the Zurich Forensic Institute technicians to carry out the investigation.
