Daniel Siad, a French model recruiter who introduced numerous young women to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein over more than a decade, has died at his home near Paris.
According to French authorities, Siad was found dead on Monday at his residence. A deputy public prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court confirmed the death, adding that the cause and circumstances remain under investigation.
Longtime Associate of Epstein
Siad was a longtime associate of Epstein and acknowledged that he had arranged meetings between the late financier and several aspiring models. He maintained that he believed Epstein was connected to the fashion industry, claiming he thought he worked as a casting director for Victoria's Secret and a leading modelling agency.
Despite Epstein's 2008 conviction on sex-related offences, Siad continued his association with him, saying Epstein had assured him he had changed.
"I trusted him and believed this guy was a professional person," Siad previously told CNN. "I never heard anything from anyone I introduced to him who came back to me that they had a bad situation." However, two women later alleged that Siad introduced them to Epstein, who they claim subsequently abused them.
Appearance in Epstein Files
Court records and investigative documents show Siad's name appeared more than 2,000 times in the so-called Epstein Files. The records include emails in which Siad sent photographs of young models to Epstein as potential assistants. In one exchange, Epstein reportedly replied that one candidate was "Too old."
Legal Proceedings in France
Before his death, Siad was also facing legal proceedings in France over a rape allegation dating back to 1990. Authorities have not indicated whether his death is connected to any of the ongoing legal matters.
