Death of alleged Epstein recruiter: France’s investigation continues

Colombes – 23 July 2026: Former model scout Daniel Siad has been found dead in a residential building in Colombes, northwest of Paris. The 69-year-old was discovered in his home on Monday evening, 20 July. The Nanterre public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation to clarify the circumstances of his death. No confirmed cause of death was initially made public.

Siad was at the center of allegations that he recruited women for the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Several complaints had been filed against him, including for rape. The allegations had not been adjudicated in court; Siad denied them. This is precisely why the following applies in this case: his death ends criminal proceedings brought against him personally, but does not replace a judicial clarification of the allegations.

At the same time, the French justice system is continuing to investigate possible connections and structures behind the allegations. The case in Paris has been assigned to the Central Office for Combating Human Trafficking. The focus is on suspected organized human trafficking. Investigators are to determine whether, beyond the individual accusations, there was a system through which young women were approached, referred or exploited.

For the complainants, the death of the accused represents a painful turning point. According to the information known so far, Siad had not been personally questioned by French investigators. This leaves an important potential source for reconstructing contacts, travel and events unexplored. Testimony from those affected, documents and possible digital traces therefore carry even greater weight for the continuing investigation.

The authorities must now keep two proceedings strictly separate: the investigation into his death is being handled by the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office. The investigation into alleged crimes connected to Epstein is continuing in Paris. The death of one suspect does not preclude further investigations into other individuals if concrete grounds for suspicion emerge.

The case once again highlights a gap that often hits victims of sexual violence particularly hard: in addition to legal accountability, criminal proceedings can also offer an opportunity to be heard and to openly examine contradictions. If an accused person is removed from proceedings before questioning or indictment, questions remain – for those affected as well as for investigators.

Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 before he could face another trial. France has been examining possible French links to his circle for months. Daniel Siad’s death significantly changes the scope of the investigation. But it does not end the justice system’s task of identifying possible additional persons responsible for, and supporters of, an alleged network.