Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old model scout who recruited women for Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home near Paris, French officials confirmed. Siad was under investigation by French prosecutors specializing in human trafficking on charges of rape and other offenses. His name appeared in more than 1,000 documents from the US Department of Justice Epstein files declassified earlier this year.
Allegations and Denials
Siad had not yet been questioned by investigators but denied the allegations, stating he wanted to present his version of events. He was found dead on Monday evening. An investigation into the cause of death has been opened, and an autopsy will be conducted.
Role in Epstein's Network
Siad traveled globally, visiting villages in Eastern Europe, Cuba, and Sweden to source women for the modeling industry. He also sought women he hoped Epstein might want to meet. In a 2014 email to Epstein, he compared his work to fishing: “In this busyness I feel like fisherman some time I cache quick, some time no fish.” The files revealed Siad as one of Epstein’s most loyal correspondents, remaining in frequent contact until months before Epstein’s death and receiving wired payments for travel expenses.
Siad was well-connected in the modeling world and worked on commission for Jean-Luc Brunel, a leading agent in Paris, New York, and Miami for over four decades. Brunel killed himself in prison in February 2022 after 14 months in custody awaiting trial for rape of minors and sexual harassment, which he denied. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
Accusations and Legal Proceedings
In February, former Swedish model Ebba Karlsson accused Siad of rape. She said he scouted her in Stockholm in 1990 when she was 20, then raped her in France. Karlsson, who had no interactions with Epstein, filed criminal allegations of rape and human trafficking against Siad in Paris earlier this year. Siad’s lawyer, Ménya Arab-Tigrine, denied the allegation. Reacting to Siad’s death, Karlsson told AFP it was “very frustrating. He was very close to be arrested. We worked so hard for this, trying to have justice.”
Emails Reveal Recruitment Tactics
Siad’s regular emails supplied Epstein with details about young women he recruited. In 2009, he wrote, “Slovakia is the place to be,” noting he had 45 women to see there, and planned to spend the summer “scouting small villages” in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. He promised Epstein, “I will make you a great surprise when you come to Paris.” He was still working for Epstein in 2016, writing from Barcelona, “Call me if you have time I am in Barcelona. With amazing Beauty.” Epstein’s replies were succinct: “wht about new girls?”, “Any news”, “anything worth coming to paris for?” or “Any interesting women?” Women were often referred to by nationality. In June 2014, Epstein asked, “I am in ny, is the swedish girl here?” Sometimes he replied with one word: “age?” Siad emphasized youthfulness, writing once, “26 but she look 18”.
Siad's Defense
Siad, describing himself as French-born of Algerian origin with Swedish citizenship, told France TV earlier this year that Epstein had abused his trust and he was not “in a position to know that this man was dangerous.” He maintained his dealings with models were purely professional. “With time, one discovers that this individual committed atrocities; fortunately, I never introduced him to any minor or non-minor who was abused. I have nothing to reproach myself for,” he said.
Investigation and Support Resources
The DoJ files suggest the FBI was tipped off about Siad’s work for Epstein in 2016. In February, French prosecutors announced a team of magistrates to analyze evidence from the files, which mention several French nationals, including Brunel. Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse is available from organizations such as Rape Crisis in the UK, Rainn in the US, and 1800Respect in Australia.
