Modelling Scout Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Found Dead Near Paris

Daniel Siad, a French modelling scout who was under investigation over alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home near Paris, French prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

Siad, 69, was discovered dead on Monday at his residence in Colombes, a suburb northwest of Paris. Authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, although prosecutors have not indicated that foul play is suspected. His lawyer said Siad had not been formally charged and suggested he may have suffered a heart attack.

Siad came under scrutiny after newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents linked to the Epstein investigation mentioned his name nearly 2,000 times. The files described him as a modelling scout who introduced young women to Epstein, although simply appearing in the documents does not in itself establish criminal wrongdoing.

French prosecutors had been examining allegations that Siad helped recruit women for Epstein's network. At least five women accused him of rape and human trafficking, allegations he consistently denied. He maintained that he believed he was arranging legitimate modelling opportunities and said he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.

One of the complainants, former Swedish model Ebba Karlsson, recently filed a rape complaint against Siad in France after identifying him through media reports connected to the Epstein files. Investigators had reportedly planned to question him as part of the ongoing inquiry, but he had not yet been formally interviewed.

Siad's death is the second involving a French modelling figure closely associated with Epstein. In 2022, French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who also faced allegations of rape and trafficking linked to Epstein, was found dead in a Paris prison while awaiting trial. Authorities concluded that Brunel died by suicide.

Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide, but it has continued to attract public scrutiny and fuel widespread speculation. Investigations into individuals allegedly connected to his network remain ongoing in several countries.