A longtime modeling recruiter linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead in France as investigators continue examining the late financier’s connections to the fashion industry.
French authorities confirmed that Daniel Siad, 69, was found dead Monday at his home in Colombes, a suburb of Paris. Deputy public prosecutor Marie-Céline Lawrysz said an autopsy has been ordered because the cause of death remains unknown.
Siad had been identified in past investigations as a recruiter who introduced aspiring models to Epstein over several years. His death comes as French prosecutors continue a criminal investigation into Epstein’s ties to the modeling industry.
Siad defended his relationship with Epstein
In a recent interview with CNN, Siad defended his association with Epstein. He said he trusted Epstein and believed he was a professional. Siad also said none of the models he introduced to Epstein ever returned to him with complaints about their experiences.
Siad further claimed he believed Epstein worked as a casting director for Victoria’s Secret and the modeling agency MC2. CNN reported that its investigation found no evidence supporting those claims.
Justice Department records detail years of contact
U.S. Justice Department records show Epstein paid Siad tens of thousands of dollars over several years. The records also indicate that Siad repeatedly introduced young women to Epstein.
In one email, Siad told Epstein about a “cute French girl” in Marrakesh and wrote that she would be happy to meet him. Other messages show Siad searching for a “good looking young assistant” and sending Epstein a woman’s photograph while describing her as “very polite” with potential to work as a model or assistant. According to the records, Epstein replied, “Too old.”
The Justice Department files reportedly mention Siad more than 2,000 times. French prosecutors are continuing to review material linked to him as part of their broader investigation into Epstein’s activities within the modeling world.
Separate allegations and ongoing investigations
Siad also faced separate allegations unrelated to the current investigation. Former Swedish model Ebba P. Karlsson accused him of raping her while she was working in France in 1990. Siad denied the allegation.
Last month, investigators also linked the case of a German model who disappeared nearly 11 years ago to the Epstein files. According to reports, records showed she had been in contact with Siad before her disappearance.
Epstein died in federal custody in New York in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death did not end investigations into his associates. Authorities in several jurisdictions continue examining the network of people connected to him and his activities.
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