Daniel Siad, modeling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein, found dead in France in rape, investigated for human trafficking | Today’s news
Daniel Siad, a French modeling scout who was publicly linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and was under investigation over allegations of rape and human trafficking, was found dead at his home outside Paris, French prosecutors said on Wednesday (22 July).
Siad, 69, was found dead on Monday evening. Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of death, and an autopsy has been ordered.
His death comes as French investigators were looking into allegations made by several women who accused him of sexual abuse and human trafficking. Siad has consistently denied the allegations.
An autopsy was ordered after the body was found
The prosecutor’s office in Nanterre said an investigation was launched after Siad’s body was found.
“An investigation to determine the cause of death was launched on Monday evening following the discovery,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Officials said an autopsy will be performed as part of the investigation.
According to Reuters, investigators had not yet interviewed Siad before his death.
Investigated for allegations of rape and trafficking
French authorities investigated Siad on allegations including rape and human trafficking.
French media reported that at least five women had accused him of rape and human trafficking.
But Siad’s lawyer said he was never formally brought before a judicial inquiry, a legal stage in France that follows a preliminary investigation when judges believe there are sufficient grounds to suspect a crime.
His name also appeared nearly 2,000 times in documents released by the US Department of Justice relating to Epstein.
The lawyer says Siad has maintained his innocence
Siad’s lawyer, Meyna Arab-Tigrine, said her client had repeatedly denied the allegations and wanted to cooperate with investigators.
“He is dead and he was innocent,” she told AFP.
She added that Siad was looking for an opportunity to present his version of events.
“Daniel Siad never stopped proclaiming his innocence.
Arab-Tigrine also said she believed Siad died of a heart attack.
“If he died of a heart attack, the excruciating waiting, pressure and anxiety he suffered every day will have something to do with it.”
Victims say death ends the chance to uncover more evidence
Several of the women who accused Siad expressed frustration that his death could prevent investigators from obtaining more information about Epstein’s network.
Juliette G., a former French model who claims Siad recruited her in 2004 before introducing her to Epstein, said his testimony could help establish what happened.
“Another link in the chain that could have helped reveal the truth and identify those responsible has disappeared.”
Former Swedish model Ebba Karlsson, who filed the first complaint against Siad in February, accused him of raping her when she was 20 years old.
She said his death was deeply disappointing to those seeking accountability.
“It’s very frustrating. He was very close to being arrested. We’ve been working so hard on this and trying to get justice.”
Karlsson also accused former Elite modeling manager Gerald Marie of rape, claiming that Siad introduced her to him. Marie has repeatedly denied all the accusations.
Second Epstein-linked figure to die in France
Siad is the second person publicly linked to Epstein to die in France.
Former modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel was arrested in 2020 on allegations that he procured young women for Epstein.
Brunel denied all charges but was found hanged in his prison cell in 2022 after spending 14 months in custody awaiting trial on charges including rape of minors and sexual harassment.
Epstein himself died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Siad’s death is likely to refocus attention on the broader investigation into Epstein’s associates and the unsolved allegations surrounding the international human trafficking ring.
(With inputs from FAP, Reuters)
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