French modelling scout linked to Epstein found dead

Siad's body was discovered on Monday evening. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death, the ​Nanterre prosecutor's office said.

Siad's name appeared nearly 2,000 times ​in the Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of ⁠Justice.

According to French media, at least five women accused Siad, ​69, of rape and human trafficking, allegations Siad denied.

Siad's lawyer told ​Reuters in an emailed statement that the modelling scout was never formally the subject of judicial proceedings.

In France, suspects are placed under formal investigation only ​after a preliminary probe, which means that investigative magistrates consider there ​are reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed.

Siad told French broadcaster ‌BFM ⁠in May that his relationship with Epstein was strictly professional.

"Daniel Siad never stopped proclaiming his innocence," his lawyer, Meyna Arab-Tigrine, said. Siad had died of a heart attack, she added.

Siad is the ​second man publicly ​linked to Epstein ⁠who has died in France.

French authorities arrested modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel in 2020, after allegations he procured ​women for Epstein.

Brunel was found hanged in his prison ​cell ⁠in 2022, having spent 14 months in custody awaiting trial on charges of rape of minors and sexual harassment. He denied the charges, ⁠along ​with any participation in Epstein's sex trafficking.

Epstein died ​in prison, in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.