Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old modeling scout named frequently in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his Colombes home and an investigation with an autopsy has been opened. Siad denied knowledge of or participation in Epstein's abuses, but multiple complaints, including rape allegations, had been filed against him in France. Victims and lawyers say his death removes a potentially important source of information and may hinder ongoing probes into Epstein's network. The case recalls the death of another Epstein associate, Jean‑Luc Brunel, and underscores continuing investigative challenges.
Modeling Scout Named in Epstein Files Found Dead in Paris Suburb; Investigation Open
Modelling scout linked to Epstein found dead in Paris suburbs
Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old modeling scout whose name appears repeatedly in files linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home in Colombes, a north-west suburb of Paris, officials confirmed.
The Nanterre prosecutor's office said an investigation into the cause of death was opened on discovery and that an autopsy will be carried out. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the circumstances of his death.
Siad's name appears thousands of times in documents released by the US government relating to Epstein. He has repeatedly denied knowledge of any abuse connected to Epstein. In a recent CNN interview he said, "I trusted him, I believed this guy is a professional person." In comments to BFMTV he also insisted: "I have never raped anyone in my life."
One Epstein accuser, identified only as "Anya," told the BBC that Siad introduced her to Epstein and described the encounter as "a complete set-up," calling Siad "essentially a professional trafficker." In one of Siad's emails to Epstein included in the released files, he wrote in imperfect English: "In This busyness I feel like fisherman some time I cache quick, some time no fish."
Siad had been the subject of several complaints in France, including allegations of rape; the first complaint was reportedly filed in February. Lawyers representing six women who filed complaints said his death deprives victims of the opportunity to question him and to obtain vital testimony.
"An important link in the chain has just vanished into thin air," one former model who gave a deposition told the BBC, saying that leads may now go cold because Siad was never questioned.
Victims' lawyer Anne-Claire Le Jeune said the slow pace of the inquiry meant Siad died before he could be questioned or placed in custody, calling it "deeply regrettable" and saying it further hinders victims' pursuit of truth and justice.
The case evokes parallels with the death of another Epstein associate, French agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found hanged in his Paris prison cell in 2022 while awaiting investigation on suspicion of rape and trafficking of minors; Brunel denied wrongdoing. Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting a federal sex-trafficking trial.
Investigators in France and abroad continue to examine networks linked to Epstein; Siad's death is likely to complicate efforts to establish the full picture of alleged recruitment and trafficking involving modeling circles.
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