Modelling Scout Daniel Siad, Connected to Jeffrey Epstein, Found Dead in Paris

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:26:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 69‑year‑old modelling scout linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was discovered dead in his home in the Paris suburb of Colombes.

Daniel Siad, a former modelling scout who frequently appeared in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, was found dead in his home in Colombes, a north‑west suburb of Paris, on Monday. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office launched an investigation into the cause of death and will conduct an autopsy. Siad’s name had been mentioned thousands of times in Epstein’s files and he had previously denied any knowledge of Epstein’s predatory practices, while many victims describe him as a “professional trafficker.” His death raises concerns that crucial information about Epstein’s network may be lost, and victims’ lawyers are demanding accountability from French authorities for delayed investigations. In the same city, former modelling agent Jean‑Luc Brunel, also implicated in Epstein’s schemes, had died by suicide in 2022 while in custody.

In a grim turn of events that connects the shadowy world of high‑end modelling to the infamous Jeffrey Epstein scandal, 69‑year‑old modelling scout Daniel Siad was discovered dead in his home in Colombes, a north‑west suburb of Paris, on Monday. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed the find and announced that an autopsy would be carried out and that the cause of death would be investigated.

Siad’s name appears thousands of times in the U.S. Department of Justice release of Epstein’s emails and photographs, suggesting a long‑standing relationship. While he denied knowing Epstein’s schemes, victims who were introduced by Siad (including an unnamed model known only as Anya) have described him as a “professional trafficker” and a “complete set‑up.” In an email excerpt released in the files, Siad wrote, in poorly spelled English: “In This busyness I feel like fisherman some time I cache quick, some time no fish.”

Siad’s lawyer has remained silent, but in a recent interview with CNN Siad claimed he had never suspected that Epstein was exploiting the women he was escorting. On the night of his death, the prosecutors opened a case to establish whether foul play was involved.

In February, French courts received the first rape complaint against Siad, which he denied. The victims’ attorneys have expressed grief that Siad’s death may deprive them of an opportunity for justice, saying the investigation’s slow pace prevented him from being questioned or taken into custody. “We are at a loss for words to describe the anger and sadness we feel, and a criminal trial is now denied.”

The lawyers have called the prosecution’s delay “scandalous inaction” and claimed it demonstrates a contempt for victims of sexual crimes, especially those linked to Epstein’s human‑trafficking network. (Read more about a model’s testimony)

Another prominent Epstein associate, French modelling agent Jean‑Luc Brunel, was found hanged in his Paris prison cell in 2022. Brunel had been held for over a year on allegations of child rape and sexual exploitation; he had denied all charges and was considered a key figure in Epstein’s trafficking operations.

As investigative reporters continue to dig into the Epstein network, the chilling death of Daniel Siad underscores how fragile the pursuit of truth can be when an alleged co‑conspirator dies before a full examination can take place. The fallout might ripple deeper into the network of exploitation that both abuse victims and authorities seek to dismantle.