Man connected to Jeffrey Epstein found dead in Paris suburb
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Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old modeling scout with extensive documented ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home in Colombes, a northwestern suburb of Paris.
French authorities confirmed the discovery, and an autopsy is underway to determine the cause of death.
Siad’s name appears more than 2,000 times in US Department of Justice Epstein files released earlier in 2026.
The documents detail years of communications in which he introduced young women and models — some described as teenagers — to Epstein, sent photographs, and received payments from him.
In emails cited in the files, Siad discussed scouting trips across Eastern Europe and elsewhere.
One message referenced a “cute French girl in Marrakesh” and another sought a “good looking young assistant” for Epstein, to which Epstein reportedly replied “Too old” about a candidate.
Siad admitted contacts with Epstein but said they were legitimate modeling-related.
French prosecutors opened investigations in February 2026 into organized human trafficking and related offenses linked to Epstein’s network.
Siad was a focus but had not been arrested or formally charged; authorities noted insufficient evidence for immediate action at the time despite carrying out telephone intercepts.
Siad’s lawyer, Ménya Arab-Tigrine, stated that her client “was innocent” and “had never been prosecuted.”
She suggested that if he died of a heart attack, “the unbearable waiting, the pressure and the anxiety he suffered every day” from media scrutiny and inquiries may have contributed.
Victims have offered strong reactions.
Russian-born model Svetlana Pozhidaeva, who said Siad introduced her to Epstein, told CNN: “If it wasn’t for him, my life would have unfolded completely differently.”
At least five women accused Siad personally of rape and sex trafficking, allegations he denied.
Paris prosecutors have confirmed that while proceedings against Siad personally have ended with his death, the broader investigation into the suspected recruitment network continues.
“The enquiry… is continuing in order to identify all individuals potentially involved,” said the office of Prosecutor Laure Beccuau.
Siad, born Daniel Amar Siad in French Algeria in 1957, held multiple citizenships and worked as a model scout, photographer, and consultant with ties to agencies and fashion events.
His death marks another death of a figure connected to the Epstein case in France, following the 2022 jailhouse suicide of modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
