Parties involved
Presumption of innocence. The persons under investigation are defendants, not convicted. They benefit from the presumption of innocence until any final judgment. This page lists only information made public by the authorities or by reference media.
1. The defendants
In total, 14 people are defendants (as of 28 June 2026). They face, on various grounds, charges of homicide, bodily harm and negligent arson.
The managers of the Constellation
Jacques Moretti (co-manager) — placed in pre-trial detention on 9 January, then released on bail (200,000 CHF) on 23 January. Subject to substitute measures (ban on leaving Switzerland, regular reporting to the police station). A request to lift these measures was refused by the court.
Jessica Moretti (co-manager) — left free under substitute measures. On 5 June 2026, she was notified of an additional charge, forgery of documents (false invoice linked to the acoustic foam).
The municipal officials and employees
On 5 March 2026, the investigation was widened to five current and former municipal officials, including the president of the municipality of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud. Heard for the first time as a defendant in mid-April, he denies any responsibility and states that he was unaware of the absence of inspections; he has remained in office while withdrawing from matters related to the fire.
Also among the defendants are a former municipal councillor in charge of public safety and several current or former employees of the safety department, as well as the two fire-safety officials already implicated in January. In accordance with our ethical framework, these persons are designated by their function and not named.
Sources: Le Temps, RTS, franceinfo, swissinfo.
2. The prosecution — Public Prosecutor's office of Valais
The investigation is conducted by a pool of four prosecutors:
- Catherine Seppey, deputy attorney general — director of the proceedings
- Béatrice Pilloud, attorney general
- Two other prosecutors from the Central Office
Challenges rejected
- 8 April 2026 — The Criminal Chamber of the Cantonal Court rejects the recusal requests targeting the prosecutors.
- 15 April 2026 — The bureau of the Public Prosecutor's office refuses the appointment of an extraordinary prosecutor requested by a lawyer for a private claimant.
An appeal to the Federal Supreme Court has been announced.
Sources: RTS, Watson, organisation chart of the Public Prosecutor's office of Valais.
3. The private claimants
Families of victims — Many relatives have joined the proceedings as private claimants, represented by their lawyers, and take part in the hearings.
Municipality of Crans-Montana — contested private claimant
The municipal council decided, at the beginning of January, to join the proceedings as a private claimant. Several lawyers for victims contest this move, considering that the municipality — some of whose officials are themselves defendants — does not have standing as an injured party.
Sources: Le Temps, 20 minutes.
4. The investigations abroad
France — Paris Public Prosecutor's office (OCRVP)
A "mirror investigation" was opened to support the French families (9 deaths, 21 injured). It will not lead to a trial in France: the Swiss authorities remain solely competent to establish responsibility.
Italy — Procura di Roma
On 14 April 2026, the Moretti couple were placed under investigation in Italy for multiple involuntary manslaughter and arson. The investigation, coordinated with Switzerland, concerns in particular the six Italian victims.
Sources: RTS, Le Temps, franceinfo, ANSA.
To understand the terms used (defendant, private claimant, recusal, indictment, etc.), see the legal glossary.