French Modelling Scout Under Investigation Over Jeffrey Epstein Links Found Dead in France | ChatZyr

PARIS: French modelling scout Daniel Siad, who was under investigation in France over alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking network, has been found dead at his home outside Paris, prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday.

His death comes as French authorities continue investigating individuals accused of assisting Epstein, whose case remains one of the world's most closely scrutinised sex trafficking scandals. Prosecutors said an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of Siad's death after his body was discovered on Monday evening.

Authorities confirmed that an autopsy will be carried out as part of the investigation. No official cause of death has been announced.

Siad, 69, was being investigated over allegations including rape and human trafficking, but had not yet been questioned by investigators or convicted of any offence. He consistently denied all allegations and had publicly requested an opportunity to present his account to French authorities.

His lawyer, Menya Arab-Tigrine, said Siad had repeatedly sought to be heard before investigators.

"He is dead and he was innocent," she said, adding that if he had suffered a heart attack, the prolonged stress and uncertainty surrounding the investigation may have contributed to his condition.

Siad's name appeared in more than 1,000 pages of declassified court records related to the Epstein investigation. He maintained that Epstein had "taken advantage of his trust" while denying any involvement in criminal activity.

His death follows that of French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, another associate of Epstein who was found dead in a Paris prison in 2022 while awaiting trial on allegations that he procured young women for the disgraced financier. Epstein himself died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Alleged Victims Say Investigation Has Lost a Key Witness

Several women who have accused Siad of abuse described his death as a major setback for efforts to establish the full extent of Epstein's alleged network.

A former French model, identified only as Juliette G., alleged that Siad recruited her in 2004 before introducing her to Epstein.

"Another link in the chain has disappeared that could have helped uncover the truth and identify those responsible," she said.

Former Swedish model Ebba Karlsson, who filed a rape complaint against Siad earlier this year, called the development "very frustrating," saying investigators had appeared close to taking further action.

Karlsson has also accused former Elite modelling agency executive Gerald Marie of rape and of introducing her to Epstein. Marie has repeatedly denied all allegations against him.

Former BBC journalist Lisa Brinkworth, who campaigns against abuse within the modelling industry, urged French authorities to intensify investigations into individuals accused of links to Epstein.

She said alleged victims deserved answers and called on prosecutors to continue pursuing all credible allegations involving people connected to the convicted financier.

The development has reignited international attention on unresolved investigations linked to Epstein and renewed calls from alleged victims for accountability. While the cause of Siad's death remains under investigation, questions persist over how it could affect ongoing French inquiries into alleged trafficking networks connected to Epstein.

Published on ChatZyr.net

Written By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr

Disclaimer: This report is based on information obtained from credible and publicly available sources at the time of publication. The allegations referenced remain allegations unless established in court, and investigations involving related individuals remain ongoing. Further official findings may emerge.