Paris, July 22 : Daniel Siad, a French modelling scout whose name appeared in files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home in Colombes, a suburb northwest of Paris, authorities confirmed.
The 69-year-old was discovered on Monday, prompting the Nanterre prosecutor’s office to open an investigation into the cause of death. Officials said a post-mortem examination will be conducted as part of the inquiry.
Siad had recently been the subject of multiple complaints in France, including allegations of rape, all of which he denied. His lawyer stated that he had never been prosecuted and maintained that he was innocent. In previous interviews, Siad also denied any knowledge of Epstein’s alleged abuse network, saying he believed Epstein was a legitimate professional.
His name appeared numerous times in documents related to the Epstein investigation released by US authorities. Several women had accused Siad of helping recruit aspiring models, while lawyers representing alleged victims expressed disappointment that his death came before he could be formally questioned by investigators.
Victims’ lawyers criticised the pace of the French investigation, arguing that his death has deprived complainants of a crucial opportunity to seek answers through the judicial process. Some former models also said any information Siad may have possessed regarding Epstein’s network could now be lost.
The case has drawn renewed attention to Epstein’s international network of associates. Another French modelling agent linked to Epstein, Jean-Luc Brunel, died in custody in Paris in 2022 while facing allegations of trafficking and sexual offences, which he denied. Epstein himself died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
