Daniel Siad, a modelling scout who recruited women for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home near Paris. French officials confirmed the discovery on Monday evening, with an investigation into the cause of death and an autopsy ordered.
Siad, 69, was under investigation by French prosecutors specialising in human trafficking on allegations of rape and other charges. His name appeared in more than 1,000 documents in the US Department of Justice Epstein files declassified earlier this year. He had denied the allegations but had not yet been questioned by investigators.
Siad travelled globally to source women for the modelling industry, also seeking candidates for Epstein to meet. Emails between the pair revealed Siad described his work like fishing, requiring patience. He remained in contact with Epstein until months before the financier’s death in prison in 2019, receiving wired payments for expenses. Siad also worked as a scout for Jean-Luc Brunel, who killed himself in prison in 2022 while awaiting trial for rape of minors.
Earlier this year, former Swedish model Ebba Karlsson accused Siad of rape and human trafficking, alleging he scouted her in Stockholm in 1990 and later assaulted her in France. She filed criminal allegations in Paris. Siad’s lawyer denied the claim. Reacting to his death, Karlsson expressed frustration, stating he was close to arrest.
Siad’s emails to Epstein were frequent, providing details of young women, often referred to by nationality. In one message he promised to “make you a great surprise when you come to Paris”. Epstein would respond with brief queries such as “age?” or “any interesting women?”.
