In brief
Daniel Siad, a 69‑year‑old modeling scout whose name repeatedly appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein dossier, was found dead at his home in the Paris suburb of Colombes. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office opened a death inquiry and will conduct a post‑mortem. Siad had faced sexual‑violence complaints in France and was alleged to have introduced victims, including a woman known only as Anya, to Epstein. Victim advocates say his death prevents crucial evidence from emerging and highlights the perceived slow pace of the French investigation into Epstein’s network. The case also recalls the death of model agent Jean‑Luc Brunel, another key figure in Epstein’s trafficking operations.
A modelling scout tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead at his Paris home.
Daniel Siad, 69, was discovered on Monday in Colombes, a north‑west suburb of Paris, according to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, which also opened an investigation to determine the cause of death and will carry out a post‑mortem.
Siad’s name appeared thousands of times in the Epstein files released by the U.S. government. He denied knowing the danger that Epstein posed. His lawyer noted that, despite complaints in France alleging rape, Siad had never been prosecuted.
One former victim, known only as Anya, told the BBC that Siad had introduced her to Epstein, describing him as a “professional trafficker” and a “complete set‑up.”
Siad also stated in a CNN interview that he had not known the women were being abused by Epstein, saying, “I trusted him, I believed this guy is a professional person.”
Victim advocates say his death means any information he could have supplied about Epstein now disappears. One former model who gave a deposition to police in June said, “An important link in the chain has just vanished into thin air.”
The case also recalls the death of French modeling agent Jean‑Luc Brunel, another key associate of Epstein who was found hanged in his Paris prison cell in 2022 while being investigated for rape and trafficking of minors.
Judge and victim lawyers say delays in investigations deprive victims of crucial steps toward justice, citing the slow pace of the French probe and the recent death of Siad before he could be questioned or detained.