French modelling scout Daniel Siad, 69, has been found dead at his home in Colombes, a suburb of Paris, prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday. Siad was under investigation in France for alleged involvement in human trafficking and rape, with ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Siad had not yet been questioned by investigators but had denied the allegations, stating he wanted to provide his version of events. His death has frustrated alleged victims who sought answers about Epstein's network. Siad's name appeared in over 1,000 declassified Epstein-related documents, where he described his recruitment efforts as akin to 'fishing.'
Siad claimed he believed Epstein was a professional casting director for Victoria's Secret and denied knowledge of any harm to women he introduced to him. However, CNN reported that Siad had sent Epstein photos of potential recruits, including one described as 'very polite' with 'potential.' Epstein replied 'Too old' to one submission.
In 2022, a French woman told police Siad introduced her to Epstein, who then abused her. Siad's lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. French authorities had previously arrested modelling agent Jean-Luc Brune in 2020 as part of the investigation.