A modelling scout linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was found dead at his home in Colombes, a north‑west suburb of Paris.
Daniel Siad, 69, was discovered on Monday by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office. An investigation to determine the cause of death was opened on Monday evening and an autopsy will be carried out.
Siad’s name appeared thousands of times in the files released by the US government, pointing to a deep involvement with Epstein’s network.
A former model, referred to by the BBC as “Anya”, claimed Siad introduced her to Epstein and described him as a “professional trafficker”.
During an email to Epstein that was released in the files, Siad wrote in badly‑spelled English: “In This busyness I feel like fisherman some time I cache quick, some time no fish.”
He denied knowledge of any abuse in recent interviews, telling a CNN reporter that he trusted Epstein and believed him to be a professional.
Siad had earlier faced several complaints of sexual assault in France; he denied all wrongdoing in media interviews.
Victim’s lawyers expressed that his death “denies a criminal trial” and called for justice for those who suffered under Epstein’s network.
They accused the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office of inaction, stressing the need for swift investigations into Epstein’s French associates.
The BBC has reached out for comment, while other victims fear loss of possible evidence that Siad might have possessed.
