Daniel Siad, a modelling scout linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home in a suburb of Paris.
The 69-year-old was discovered on Monday in Colombes, north-west of the French capital. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed the death to the BBC.
Authorities said “an investigation to determine the cause of death was opened on Monday evening following the discovery,” adding that an autopsy will be carried out.
Siad’s name appeared thousands of times in documents released by the US government relating to Epstein. He previously denied knowing about Epstein’s abuse of young women.
One victim, identified only as Anya, told the BBC that Siad introduced her to Epstein. She described the encounter as “a complete set-up” and called Siad “essentially a professional trafficker.”
Earlier this year, several complaints were filed against Siad in France, including allegations of rape. He denied the accusations, saying in May, “I have never raped anyone in my life.”
Another One Gone
Lawyers representing women who accused Siad expressed shock at his death. They said they were “stunned” and argued that victims had now been denied the opportunity for a criminal trial.
Another former model said Siad’s death meant “an important link in the chain has just vanished into thin air,” adding that investigators had never questioned him about his alleged knowledge of Epstein.
Lawyer Anne-Claire Le Jeune, who represents six women, said the slow pace of the investigation had “deprived the victims of a crucial step in their pursuit of truth and justice.”
Siad is the latest Epstein associate to die before facing trial. French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel died in prison in 2022 while awaiting trial on sexual assault and trafficking allegations. Epstein himself died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
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