A modelling scout linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead at his home in Colombes, a north-west suburb of Paris, as French authorities continue investigations into allegations connected to Epstein's network.
Daniel Siad, 69, was discovered on Monday, prompting the Nanterre prosecutor's office to open an investigation into the cause of death, with an autopsy scheduled.
His name appeared extensively in declassified US government files related to Epstein, and he had been under investigation in France over allegations including rape and human trafficking.
Siad denied wrongdoing and maintained in multiple media interviews that he was unaware of any abuse committed by Epstein.
French prosecutors had not questioned Siad before his death despite ongoing investigations into allegations against him.
According to previously released Epstein files, Siad remained in regular contact with Epstein for years while recruiting women through his modelling work.
The documents included emails discussing potential recruits and travel across several European countries, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary, as well as other locations.
In one email, Siad wrote: "In This busyness I feel like fisherman some time I cache quick, some time no fish."
Several women accused Siad of sexual violence and trafficking in complaints filed in France, all of which he denied.
One woman previously told the BBC that Siad had introduced her to Epstein, describing the encounter as "a complete set-up" and calling him "essentially a professional trafficker."
Lawyers representing women who filed complaints said they were shocked by Siad's death, arguing it deprived their clients of the opportunity to see criminal proceedings advance.
They also criticized what they described as delays in the investigation, saying valuable opportunities to question Siad had been lost.
Another former model who had provided evidence to police said any information Siad possessed about Epstein's activities may now never be recovered.
Anne-Claire Le Jeune, who represents six complainants, said the pace of the investigation had prevented victims from reaching "a crucial step in their pursuit of truth and justice."
The case also renewed attention on the deaths of other Epstein associates, including French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who died in prison in 2022 while awaiting trial, and Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting federal sex trafficking proceedings.