(Mirror) - Benoit Violier, 44 - known for running the prestigious Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville - was found dead with self-inflicted gunshot wounds and a rifle by his side.

A man known as the world's best chef who was found dead at his home in an apparent suicide had recently fallen victim to a £1m wine scam - it has been reported.

Benoit Violier, 44, was found dead with self-inflicted gunshot wounds and a rifle by his side, according to police who are investigating his death.

The chef, who was known for running the prestigious Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville, was found dead at his Switzerland apartment.

It has now emerged that the married father-of-one scheme where rare wines priced from £14,000 up to £27,500 were sold to restaurants - but never delivered.

According to Swiss financial magazine Bilan, Violier's restaurant suffered losses due to the scam of between £554,700 and £1.37 million.

The world-renowned chef had also recently spoken about suffering a crippling double loss.

In September he told Swiss magazine L'illustre the emotional impact of losing his father to Alzheimer's and his 'second father' and mentor Philippe Rochat.

He said: "(My father) died on April 8, three months to the day before Mr Rochat.

"Within weeks I had lost my two fathers."

Top chefs paid tribute to their peer today.

Michelin-starred French chef Pierre Gagnaire tweeted: "My thoughts go out to Benoît Violier's family.