Model Scout's Emails Expose Epstein's Systematic Recruitment of Young Women
In the latest batch of declassified documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, emails reveal how Daniel Siad, a model scout, acted as a key fixer for Jeffrey Epstein, orchestrating meetings with a constant stream of young women. The correspondence, spanning over a decade, shows Siad's relentless efforts to scout for aspiring models, often highlighting their youth and beauty to Epstein.
Scouting Across Europe for Epstein's Network
Siad's emails detail his travels to villages in Eastern Europe, islands in Sweden, and central Havana, where he searched for suitable young women. In one exchange from July 2014, Siad expressed frustration with Epstein for missing a planned meeting, noting he had arranged encounters with women from Sweden, Slovakia, France, Russia, and China. Epstein reassured him, promising to reimburse expenses, underscoring the transactional nature of their relationship.
The modeling industry served as a convenient avenue for Epstein to meet young women. Siad, who worked on commission for prominent agents like Jean-Luc Brunel and Gérald Marie, maintained regular contact with Epstein until months before the financier's death. Epstein provided financial backing for Brunel's MC2 Model Management and remained involved for years, with Brunel later dying by suicide in prison while awaiting trial on rape charges.
Emails Reveal Epstein's Demands and Payments
Epstein's emails were often terse and demanding, inquiring about "new girls" or "interesting women." Siad responded with updates, emphasizing the youth of the women he found, such as noting a 26-year-old who "looked 18" or a 20-year-old described as "very sweet and shy." In some instances, Siad warned Epstein about potential issues, like a woman being a "bit of head ek" or needing plastic surgery.
Financial transactions were a regular part of their correspondence. Epstein approved payments to Siad's accountants, including a $25,000 loan in 2018. Siad incurred expenses, such as €4,000 for inviting parents to lunches or cafes, which Epstein reimbursed. The emails also show Epstein's hands-on role in vetting models, despite having no formal position with any agency.
Allegations and Legal Challenges Surface
Ebba Karlsson, a former model, alleges that Siad scouted her in Stockholm in 1990 when she was 20, took her to France, and raped her. She has spent decades trying to identify him, only recognizing him recently in the Epstein files. Karlsson filed criminal allegations of rape and human trafficking against Siad in Paris this month, though Siad denies the claims, and his lawyer cites the statute of limitations.
Another woman, referred to as Malika, told French police in 2022 that Siad procured women for Epstein for sexual purposes, claiming she was introduced to Epstein in 2013 when she was 23. Siad's lawyer disputes this, stating there is no evidence of crime and that he was merely working as a model scout. French prosecutors have now set up a team to analyze evidence from the files, which mention several French nationals.
Siad's Defense and Ongoing Investigations
In comments to French television, Siad maintained that his dealings were professional, asserting Epstein abused his trust and that he never introduced anyone who was abused. He described himself as French-born, of Algerian origin with Swedish citizenship. The FBI was tipped off about Siad's work for Epstein in 2016, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of his activities.
The emails provide a chilling insight into the intensity of Epstein's network, with Siad promising "great surprises" and emphasizing the abundance of young women available. As investigations continue, these documents shed light on the broader patterns of exploitation within the modeling industry and Epstein's extensive connections.
