Italy-Switzerland Investigation: Justice Blocked?
Berna, Switzerland – A technical meeting between judicial authorities from the Valais canton of Switzerland and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rome concluded on Thursday with an agreement to “strengthen” judicial cooperation regarding the investigation into the New Year’s Day fire at the Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana, which claimed 41 lives, including six Italian citizens. However, the meeting, held under the coordination of the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, did not result in the establishment of a joint investigative team, a key condition previously stated by the Italian government for the return of Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado.
The outcome of the six-hour meeting, held at the Federal Office of Justice in Bern, signals a step forward in the collaborative effort between the two countries, but falls short of the more comprehensive joint approach sought by Rome. Swiss Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud and Roman Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, speaking briefly to journalists following the discussions, emphasized the “great trust” between the two investigative bodies, according to reports.
The agreement centers on enhanced information exchange and coordination, allowing Italian prosecutors access to the Swiss case file. However, this access will be limited to a “selection” of documents determined by the Valais prosecutor’s office, as confirmed by sources familiar with the discussions. Italian investigators will periodically travel to Switzerland to review and obtain documents deemed shareable by Swiss authorities. This approach is dictated by the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure, which prioritizes the “sovereignty of criminal proceedings,” ensuring each prosecutor retains full control over their respective case files.
The possibility of forming a joint investigative team, previously suggested by Italian President Giorgia Meloni, was not discussed during the meeting, Prosecutor Lo Voi clarified. The current agreement operates within the legal boundaries established by Swiss law.
The investigation into the fire, which also injured 115 people, is proceeding on parallel tracks. Swiss authorities have identified potential liabilities for Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti, the managers of the bar, as well as Ken Jacquemoud, the former head of security for the municipality of Crans-Montana, and his successor, Christophe Balet. Meanwhile, the Italian prosecution continues its investigation into the incident, currently pursuing leads against unknown individuals for charges including manslaughter, injury, arson, and negligent disaster.
The meeting represents the first concrete step following Bern’s approval of Rome’s request for judicial assistance. The Swiss Federal Office of Justice played a coordinating role, acting as a liaison between the two sides. The formation of a joint Italian-Swiss team, led by a magistrate from each nation, to coordinate investigators and experts in security, remains a possibility for future collaboration, but was not addressed in this initial phase of cooperation.
As of Friday, February 27, 2026, the status of Ambassador Cornado’s return to Bern remains contingent on further developments in the investigation and the level of access granted to Italian authorities. No further meetings between the two prosecutorial teams have been publicly scheduled.