Daniel Siad, Model Scout Linked to Jeffrey Epstein, Found Dead in France Amid Ongoing Investigation
Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old French modelling scout linked to convicted s*x offender Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home near Paris on Monday evening, French prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday, July 22.
French model scout Daniel Siad, who was linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and was under investigation in France over allegations of rape, s*xual violence and human trafficking, has been found dead at his home near Paris. French authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances of his death and ordered an autopsy to determine the cause.
Siad, 69, was discovered at his residence in Colombes, a suburb northwest of Paris, on Monday. Prosecutors said he had not yet been formally questioned in the French investigation before his death. His lawyer maintained that Siad had denied all allegations against him and had not been formally charged. Epstein Files: Jeffrey Epstein Revelations Toppled Top Figures in Europe While US Fallout More Muted.
Authorities Open Probe Into Death
French prosecutors said an investigation has been launched to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Siad's death. An autopsy has been ordered, and officials have not publicly confirmed the cause of death. According to media reports citing Siad's lawyer, the model scout is believed to have suffered a heart attack. However, authorities have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing until forensic examinations are completed.
Who Was Daniel Siad?
Daniel Siad was a Swedish-French model scout who worked in the fashion industry for years. His name came under international scrutiny after the U.S. Department of Justice released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein earlier this year. Jeffrey Epstein Confessed to Being Father, New Unsealed Documents From Epstein Files Reveal.
The files reportedly mention Siad nearly 2,000 times and include emails showing him communicating with Epstein over several years about aspiring models and young women from multiple countries. Investigators alleged that Siad helped identify and introduce women to Epstein, claims that he consistently denied.
Allegations in France
French authorities had been investigating Siad following complaints from multiple women who accused him of rape, sexual violence and involvement in trafficking. Several women alleged that he introduced them to Epstein or facilitated contact with him.
Siad denied the allegations in previous interviews, saying he believed he was arranging legitimate modelling opportunities and was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities. His lawyer also said he had been looking forward to presenting his version of events to investigators.
Links to the Epstein Network
Investigators have described Siad as one of several European figures allegedly connected to Epstein's recruitment network. Emails contained in the released Justice Department files indicate that he exchanged information with Epstein regarding potential models and travel arrangements over roughly a decade.
His death also draws comparisons with that of French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, another associate of Epstein, who was found dead in a Paris prison in 2022 while awaiting trial on charges related to rape and trafficking. Brunel had also denied the allegations against him.
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Since then, investigations in several countries have examined individuals accused of helping recruit or transport women for his network.
The French investigation involving Daniel Siad formed part of those wider efforts to examine Epstein's international connections. With Siad's death, investigators are continuing to examine both the allegations against him and the circumstances surrounding his death.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 10:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
