In brief
Daniel Siad, a 69‑year‑old modelling scout tied to the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein, was discovered dead at his home in Colombes, a north‑west suburb of Paris. Authorities opened an investigation; an autopsy will determine cause of death. Siad’s name appeared thousands of times in the leaked Epstein files, yet he denied knowledge of the crimes. Victims and lawyers express anger over the perceived inaction of French prosecutors and the loss of potential evidence. The case echoes other Epstein‑linked killings, including former agent Jean‑Luc Brunel’s suicide in 2022. The story highlights ongoing challenges in pursuing accountability for sex‑trafficking syndicates.
On Monday, authorities in Colombes, a north‑west suburb of Paris, discovered the body of Daniel Siad, a 69‑year‑old modelling scout. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed the finding and launched an investigation to determine the cause of death, with an autopsy scheduled.
Siad’s name surfaced in the US government’s release of Epstein files, appearing thousands of times despite his claims that he never knew of the criminal nature of Epstein’s operations.
An Epstein victim—under the pseudonym “Anya”—told the BBC that Siad introduced her to Epstein, describing him as a “professional trafficker.” Siad himself denied any knowledge of abuse and, in a recent interview, stated, “I trusted him; I believed he was a professional person.” He had faced rape accusations in France since February, which he consistently denied.
Representatives for the women who had previously sued Siad say his death deprives them of the chance to recover crucial information that could support their claims. Lawyers expressed anger at the perceived neglect of the investigation, arguing it signals public authorities’ contempt for victims of sexual crimes linked to the Epstein trafficking network.
The story echoes earlier tragedies, such as the 2022 death of former Epstein associate Jean‑Luc Brunel, who hanged himself in prison, and Epstein’s own 2019 suicide in an American jail cell as he awaited trial.
