Modelling Scout Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Found Dead in Paris Suburbs

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:17:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The death of modelling scout Daniel Siad, allegedly connected to Jeffrey Epstein, raises questions over pending investigations and victims’ rights.

Daniel Siad, 69, was found dead in his home in the Paris suburb of Colombes, prompting the opening of a murder investigation. Siad’s name appears repeatedly in documents released by US authorities relating to Jeffrey Epstein. Several former models, who have accused Siad of sexual abuse, expressed shock and concern that any information he might have possessed about Epstein has now been lost. Victim advocates highlight that his death may hinder pursuit of justice, echoing concerns about slow investigations in the Epstein‐related network. The case reflects ongoing challenges in securing accountability for alleged sexual traffickers worldwide.

A modelling scout named Daniel Siad, who was linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home in Colombes, a suburb northwest of Paris. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed the discovery on Monday, announcing that an investigation into the cause of death has been opened and that an autopsy will be conducted.

Siad, 69, appears in thousands of entries in the US agency files that were released earlier this year and which investigators say contain details of Epstein’s network. In an email sent to Epstein that is now public, Siad wrote in rough English about being busy and feeling like a fisherman; such comments show the level of disconnection from his own alleged actions.

One victim, known only as Anya, told the BBC that Siad introduced her to Epstein’s circle and that she considered his role to be that of a “professional trafficker.” Anya had previously described her experience in a broadcast interview, and she said that the situation was fabricated and that Siad was involved in a system that bribed and trafficked young people.

During a recent interview, Siad denied the claims that his female clients were abused, saying that he believed Epstein to be trustworthy and that he had no knowledge of any wrongdoing. Siad’s lawyer said he would not comment, and the confrontations with victims have created tension, with some lawyers describing their frustration in the passage of time and the lack of a criminal trial that would allow them to hold Siad accountable.

Several French complaints were filed against Siad for alleged rape in February, and he has consistently denied wrongdoing in recent media appearances. As a result, model advocates, including Anne‑Claire Le Jeune, say that the victims have been denied justice within the wider investigation into Epstein’s French accomplices.

The circumstances of Siad’s death raise concerns that the loss of a key source may leave further evidence and investigative leads without a witness or record of his knowledge of Epstein’s activities. The death highlights a pattern, as exemplified by the now–released death of French model agent Jean‑Luc Brunel, who hanged himself in his Paris prison cell in 2022, also under investigation for sexual abuse and trafficking.

These events underscore the complexities faced by authorities in addressing the alleged network of sex trafficking that criss‑crossed the US and Europe. The challenge remains to secure justice for victims while navigating incomplete investigations and the deaths of potential witnesses, a situation that could delay the pursuit of full accountability for those involved with the Epstein network.