French Modelling Scout Connected to Epstein Found Dead Near Paris Home
Details Surrounding the Death of Daniel Siad
Discovery and Investigation
PARIS, July 22 (Reuters) - Daniel Siad, a modelling scout with ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home outside Paris, prosecutors said on Wednesday.
Siad's body was discovered on Monday evening. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death, the Nanterre prosecutor's office said.
Connection to Epstein
Siad's name appeared nearly 2,000 times in the Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
According to French media, at least five women accused Siad, 69, of rape and human trafficking, allegations Siad denied.
Siad's lawyer told Reuters in an emailed statement that the modelling scout was never formally the subject of judicial proceedings.
French Legal Process
In France, suspects are placed under formal investigation only after a preliminary probe, which means that investigative magistrates consider there are reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed.
Siad's Defense and Cause of Death
Siad told French broadcaster BFM in May that his relationship with Epstein was strictly professional.
"Daniel Siad never stopped proclaiming his innocence," his lawyer, Meyna Arab-Tigrine, said. Siad had died of a heart attack, she added.
Related Cases Involving Epstein Associates
Other Deaths Linked to the Epstein Scandal
Siad is the second man publicly linked to Epstein who has died in France.
French authorities arrested modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel in 2020 after allegations he procured women for Epstein.
Death of Jean-Luc Brunel
Brunel was found hanged in his prison cell in 2022, having spent 14 months in custody awaiting trial on charges of rape of minors and sexual harassment. He denied the charges, along with any participation in Epstein's sex trafficking.
Death of Jeffrey Epstein
Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Juliette Jabkhiro; Editing by Makini Brice, Richard Lough and Jon Boyle)
