A French modelling scout whose name was repeatedly linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead at his residence in the Paris suburb of Colombes, French authorities have confirmed.
Daniel Siad, 69, was discovered at his home on Monday.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office said an inquiry has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding his death, with a post-mortem examination expected to determine the exact cause.
Siad featured extensively in thousands of documents connected to the Epstein investigation released by the United States government.
Despite his association with the late financier, he consistently maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s alleged criminal activities.
One of Epstein’s accusers, identified only as Anya to protect her identity, previously alleged that Siad introduced her to Epstein, claiming the encounter had been carefully orchestrated.
She described the scout as someone who played a significant role in recruiting young women.
Court records also contained email correspondence in which Siad discussed his work with Epstein, using a fishing analogy to describe the unpredictable nature of his business.
Before a BBC investigation published on 18 July, Siad’s legal representative stated that his client would not be commenting publicly.
In a separate interview with CNN, Siad insisted he believed Epstein was a legitimate businessman and denied knowing that women introduced to him were allegedly being exploited.
Siad was also under criminal investigation in France after several women lodged complaints accusing him of rape, the earliest of which was filed in February.
He rejected all allegations, telling French broadcaster BFMTV in May that he had never sexually assaulted anyone.
His death has prompted concern among alleged victims and investigators, who believe he may have possessed valuable information relating to Epstein’s network.
A former model who recently provided testimony to French police said Siad’s passing had removed a potentially crucial source of evidence before investigators had the opportunity to question him.
She expressed frustration that authorities had failed to interview him sooner, arguing that important leads may now never be uncovered and warning that further delays could permanently undermine the investigation.
Anne-Claire Le Jeune, a lawyer representing victims through the child protection organisation Innocence en Danger, said the slow progress of the case had denied survivors an opportunity to confront a key figure connected to Epstein.
According to Le Jeune, victims showed considerable courage by coming forward despite Siad’s links to Epstein, but his death before police questioning or possible detention represents a major setback in their search for accountability and justice.
Siad is the second prominent French figure associated with Epstein to die in recent years.
In 2022, modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel was found dead in his prison cell in Paris while awaiting trial over allegations involving the sexual exploitation and trafficking of underage girls.
Brunel had denied all accusations.
Brunel established MC2 Model Management with financial backing from Epstein and was suspected by investigators of helping recruit, transport and accommodate young women for the disgraced financier.
Epstein died in a New York detention facility in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
His death was officially ruled a suicide.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong