Modelling Scout Named in Epstein Files Found Dead at Home Near Paris
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the death of Daniel Siad, 69, days after a BBC investigation into his role introducing young women to Jeffrey Epstein.
By Source Reporters Newsdesk
Wed, 22 July 2026 · 1 min read
A modelling scout linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead at his home near Paris.
Daniel Siad, 69, was discovered on Monday in Colombes, a north-western suburb of the French capital, the Nanterre prosecutor's office confirmed to the BBC.
"An investigation to determine the cause of death was opened on Monday evening following the discovery," the office said, adding that an autopsy will be carried out. No cause of death has been established and prosecutors have not indicated any suspicion of third-party involvement.
Siad's name appeared thousands of times in the Epstein files released by the US government — a volume of references that placed him among the more prominent figures in the disclosed material, and which drew renewed attention to the modelling industry's role in Epstein's access to young women.
One of Epstein's victims, who spoke to the BBC under the name Anya, said Siad had introduced her to him.
Siad had consistently denied knowing that Epstein posed a threat. Ahead of a BBC investigation published on 18 July, his lawyer said he was not available for comment.
His death comes four days after that investigation appeared, and while the recruitment networks that supplied Epstein remain under scrutiny in several jurisdictions. Because Siad was never charged, the accounts of those who say he introduced them to Epstein were never tested in court — and with his death, they now cannot be.
Reported from the BBC.