Daniel Siad, Epstein-linked model recruiter, found dead near Paris
Daniel Siad was found dead at his home in Colombes while under investigation for human trafficking and sexual assault allegations. His death has drawn criticism from survivors and advocates who argue that delays in the legal process prevented victims from achieving justice.
A French modelling scout with significant links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead at his residence near Paris. Daniel Siad, 69, was discovered in his home in the suburb of Colombes on Monday, according to the Nanterre Judicial Court. His death, confirmed by officials on Wednesday, concludes a life that had become the focus of intense scrutiny regarding his alleged role in a trafficking network.
Marie-Céline Lawrysz, deputy public prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court, stated that an investigation into the cause of death was formally opened on Monday evening. An autopsy is scheduled to determine how Siad died. His passing has sparked sharp criticism from victims and advocates who had been seeking legal accountability for his alleged actions.
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Siad had been under investigation in France following multiple criminal complaints, including accusations of rape and human trafficking. Among those accusing him is former Swedish model Ebba Karlsson, who filed a complaint in February, alleging Siad raped her in the 1990s. While Siad had not yet been questioned by authorities in relation to these specific allegations before his death, he had previously denied all wrongdoing in media interviews.
His legal counsel, Ménya Arab-Tigrine, maintained his innocence following the discovery of his body.
"He is dead and he was innocent,"
The death of Siad mirrors the end of other figures central to the Epstein investigation. Jean-Luc Brunel, a prominent French modelling agent also accused of procuring women for Epstein, was found dead in his prison cell in 2022 while awaiting trial. Epstein himself died in a New York jail in 2019. For many survivors, the disappearance of Siad represents a recurring obstacle in the pursuit of justice.
Juliette G., former model, via Yahoo News"Another link in the chain has disappeared that could have helped uncover the truth and identify those responsible,"
Evidence linking Siad to Epstein is extensive. His name appears more than 2,000 times in documents released by the US Department of Justice. These records reveal a consistent professional relationship that persisted even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes. Correspondence between the two often involved Siad sending photographs and details of women he encountered during his travels in Europe, often describing them as having "potential" for modelling or assistant roles. In a 2014 email, Siad likened his search for women to fishing, noting periods of success and failure.
Siad had consistently attempted to characterise his interactions with Epstein as standard industry business. In an interview with CNN, Siad claimed he believed Epstein was a legitimate professional connected to entities like Victoria's Secret and the agency MC2—claims for which no evidence has been found. He insisted he had never heard of any woman being harmed after an introduction. I trusted him and believed this guy was a professional person,
he told reporters.
The response from victim support groups has been one of profound frustration. Lisa Brinkworth, a former journalist who co-founded a collective to support victims of abuse within the modelling industry, expressed disbelief at the news. She criticised the Paris public prosecutor's office for what she described as a failure to move quickly enough against individuals connected to the Epstein network, arguing that the delay has effectively denied victims their day in court.
Legal representatives for the women who brought charges against Siad voiced similar sentiments. Anne-Claire Le Jeune, who represents six accusers, stated that the pace of the investigation was deeply regrettable.
"It is deeply regrettable that the slow pace of the investigation resulted in his death before he could be questioned or taken into police custody, thereby depriving the victims of a crucial step in their pursuit of truth and justice."
As French authorities proceed with the autopsy and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of his death, attention remains fixed on whether the probe into his broader activities will continue. With Siad now unable to provide testimony, investigators are left to rely on the extensive documentation left behind in the Epstein files to reconstruct his role in the network. Survivors and activists continue to call for an expanded, urgent examination of all individuals who facilitated Epstein's access to young women, expressing concern that each death in the circle allows further leads to go cold.
Chronology of the Case
- 1990s: Alleged incidents involving Siad and models, including accusations from Ebba Karlsson.
- 2008: Jeffrey Epstein is convicted of sex crimes in the United States; Siad continues to maintain professional contact with him.
- 2019: Jeffrey Epstein dies by suicide in prison.
- 2020: French authorities arrest modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
- 2022: Jean-Luc Brunel is found dead in his prison cell.
- February 2026: First formal criminal complaints are filed against Siad in France.
- 20 July 2026: Daniel Siad is discovered dead at his home in Colombes.
- 22 July 2026: Prosecutors confirm the death and the opening of an investigation.
