Modelling scout linked to Epstein found dead in Paris

Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old modelling scout with extensive ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home outside Paris on Monday evening, French prosecutors announced on Wednesday. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, the Nanterre prosecutor's office said, as a wide-ranging investigation into his activities continues.

The Death and Investigation

Siad's body was discovered on Monday, prompting prosecutors to open a probe into the circumstances. The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, confirmed that an autopsy would be carried out. Since February, when a probe into human trafficking and tax fraud was launched following the release of Epstein-related court files, 24 women have come forward as victims or witnesses of alleged acts committed by Siad or others. Investigators had placed Siad under phone surveillance, but to date, the evidence gathered had not been sufficient to justify his arrest, according to the prosecutor's statement. Despite Siad's death, the investigation continues with about 10 dedicated investigators.

Links to Epstein and Brunel

Siad's name appeared nearly 2,000 times in the files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, underscoring his close association with Epstein. He is the second man publicly linked to Epstein to die in France. In 2022, modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel was found hanged in his prison cell while awaiting trial on charges of raping minors and sex trafficking—charges he denied. Brunel had founded a modelling agency with financing from Epstein, and Siad was in contact with him. Valdson Vieira Cotrin, Epstein's former butler in Paris, told the London Telegraph that Siad was "as important as Ghislaine Maxwell" in recruiting women for Epstein.

Denials and Accusations

Siad repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He told French news channel BFM in May, "I have never raped anyone in my life. I have never dated a model in my life. I am the father of a family." He insisted his relationship with Epstein was strictly professional and said Epstein had "taken advantage of his trust." However, at least five women had accused Siad of rape and human trafficking, allegations he also denied. The first to file a complaint in France was former Swedish model Ebba Karlsson, who alleged Siad raped her in 1990 when she was 20. She claimed he scouted her in Stockholm and lured her to Cannes with promises of a modelling career before assaulting her in a pool cabin. Karlsson described the incident as "horrible" and said, "He wanted to get closer, and I said, 'I have a boyfriend in Sweden, keep your distance'. But he continued again and again. And he raped me." Siad claimed he did not know Karlsson.

Continuing Probe and Frustration

Despite Siad's death, the Paris prosecutor confirmed the investigation would proceed. Siad's lawyer, Menya Arab-Tigrine, argued that no evidence had been found that amounted to "serious or corroborating indications" justifying his arrest. But for victim Ebba Karlsson, the news was devastating. She told the Telegraph, "I'm in shock. Daniel Siad was very close to being arrested. We worked so hard to get justice, and now … It's extremely frustrating." The case echoes the pattern of Epstein and Brunel, both of whom died before facing trial. The ongoing investigation and the survivors' push for accountability highlight the lingering shadows of Epstein's network.