A modeling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead in France. Daniel Siaad, 69, was discovered at his home while French authorities were investigating allegations of rape, human trafficking, and sexual violence. His name reportedly appeared thousands of times in U.S. Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of death, with a postmortem examination underway. His death is expected to renew global attention on the Epstein network and ongoing investigations.

Epstein-Linked modeling Scout Daniel Siaad found dead in France | Epstein Scandal takes new twist

A video on social media surfaced showing that text blacked out in PDF files related to the Epstein case can be revealed by simply copying and pasting it. The workaround, now viral online, has sparked fresh debate over digital redaction practices and document security.&nbsp;From the video, it appears that some redactions were done poorly—black bars over text without removing the underlying data, allowing copy-paste to reveal it. Similar instances were also confirmed on several social media that include Reddit, TikTok, and Threads.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Users on TikTok realizing they can just copy and paste the &quot;redacted&quot; text from Epstein file PDFs to read what it says <a href="https://t.co/eboS6kOsqE">pic.twitter.com/eboS6kOsqE</a>&mdash; Mike Rundle (@flyosity) <a href="https://twitter.com/flyosity/status/2003487819587821613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier, the release of Epstein files, which were heavily redacted, faced heavy criticism on social media after the US Department of Justice on Friday (December 19, 2025) released several documents related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.&nbsp;The release made public featured photographs of former president Bill Clinton and other prominent figures who were part of Epstein’s wealthy social circle, such as Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. Large sections of the files, however, were obscured by heavy redactions. The tight control exercised by officials under President Donald Trump’s administration fuelled scepticism over whether the disclosures would put to rest long-running conspiracy theories about an alleged high-level cover-up.&nbsp;The US Department of Justice said the redactions were necessary to safeguard victims’ identities, but many social media users remained unconvinced. Instead, the extensive blackouts became the subject of widespread ridicule, with memes and jokes quickly circulating online after the documents were released.<h3>Social media is flooded with different reactions, memes</h3>After the video surfaced on the social media platform X, netizens flooded the comment section with their mixed opinions and multiple memes. One of the netizens wrote," For a brief instant I thought “ain’t no way, they can’t be THIS incompetent,” then in the same breath I remembered who was in charge again. Comedy."&nbsp;The next said,"Redacted text in PDFs often isn’t truly removed, just hidden visually, making copy-paste reveal original content."&nbsp;Another wrote,"To the intern who knew this was going to happen and chose to keep their mouth shut."&nbsp;"Wait wait.. what if whomever redacted the files is actually a defender of truth and wanted this to happen," the next also said.

The release of Epstein files, which were heavily redacted, faced heavy criticism on social media after the US Department of Justice on Friday (December 19, 2025) released several documents related to its probe into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A video on social media surfaced showing that text blacked out in PDF files related to the Epstein case can be revealed by simply copying and pasting it. The workaround, now viral online, has sparked fresh debate over digital redaction practices and document security. From the video, it appears that some redactions were done poorly—black bars over text without removing the underlying data, allowing copy-paste to reveal it. Similar instances were also confirmed on several social media that include Reddit, TikTok, and Threads.

The release of Epstein files, which were heavily redacted, faced heavy criticism on social media after the US Department of Justice on Friday (December 19, 2025) released several documents related to its probe into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Can ‘Redacted’ Epstein Files be read? Here's what viral clip reveals about blacked-out text

The newly released court documents have revealed a lot about sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his life, and his connection with high-profile people from different sectors of the society. A recently released court paper has revealed a connection between Ruslana Korshunova, a well-known top model who took her life in 2008 at the age of 20 with Epstein.

Ruslana took her life in 2008 by jumping from the 9th floor of her Wall Street apartment. The young fashion model took her life just two years after she flown with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in his private jet known as Lolita Express to his private island. 
 
Her visit to the island was confirmed after her name was found in Epstein's flight records. The sex offender Epstein, his bodyguard, Igor Zinoviev, and a chef, Lance Calloway, were onboard with her on a flight.

Virginia Giuffre, one of the most outspoken victims, filed a lawsuit claiming that Jeffrey and Britain's Prince Andrew sexually assaulted her. She was asked about Ruslana Korshunova and whether she knew her or not. 
 
“I think it’s a long shot you would recognize her, but read the article I attached and then look at the pictures and see if you recognize her,” attorney Brad Edwards wrote back then. 
 
“I am sorry to hear the news of Ruslana, and my condolences are with her family and friends. I can say that&nbsp;I have never had any meetings with her, sorry not to be of any help there.”

Korshunova visited Epstein’s island just a few months before the sex offender was arrested in 2006 and later, he was convicted of assaulting underage girls. 
 
In her short life, Korshunova achieved a lot in her modelling career and made a name in the fashion industry. She became the face of Vogue magazine and brands like Nina Ricci perfume, Vera Wang, and others. 
&nbsp;

The newly released court documents have revealed a lot about sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his life, and his connection with high-profile people from different sectors of the society.

The newly released court documents have revealed a lot about sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his life, and his connection with high-profile people from different sectors of the society. A recently released court paper has revealed a connection between Ruslana Korshunova, a well-known top model who took her life in 2008 at the age of 20 with Epstein. Ruslana took her life in 2008 by jumping from the 9th floor of her Wall Street apartment. The young fashion model took her life just two years after she flown with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in his private jet known as Lolita Express to his private island. Her visit to the island was confirmed after her name was found in Epstein's flight records. The sex offender Epstein, his bodyguard, Igor Zinoviev, and a chef, Lance Calloway, were onboard with her on a flight. Virginia Giuffre, one of the most outspoken victims, filed a lawsuit claiming that Jeffrey and Britain's Prince Andrew sexually assaulted her. She was asked about Ruslana Korshunova and whether she knew her or not. “I think it’s a long shot you would recognize her, but read the article I attached and then look at the pictures and see if you recognize her,” attorney Brad Edwards wrote back then. “I am sorry to hear the news of Ruslana, and my condolences are with her family and friends. I can say that I have never had any meetings with her, sorry not to be of any help there.” Korshunova visited Epstein’s island just a few months before the sex offender was arrested in 2006 and later, he was convicted of assaulting underage girls. In her short life, Korshunova achieved a lot in her modelling career and made a name in the fashion industry. She became the face of Vogue magazine and brands like Nina Ricci perfume, Vera Wang, and others.

Ruslana Korshunova, a 20-year-old model who died by suicide after visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s island

Second wave of court documents related to jeffrey epstein unsealed. More than 300 additional pages deepen the picture of epstein’s elite orbit while resurfacing old claims.

Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Where did he source his $580 mn fortune?

Four years after accused sex offender and billionaire Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in prison the U.S justice department has made stunning revelations in the case the Watchdog has cited prison failure as an important enabler in the accused taking the extreme step in July 2019.

Jeffrey Epstein: Prison created opportunity for suicide, says report

New details have emerged that reveal complex interactions between the infamous financier Jeffrey Epstein and billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates the convicted sex offender Epstein appears to have threatened Bill Gates and tried to blackmail him over his extramarital affair with a Russian bridge player this is as per a report published by The Wall Street Journal now according to the report Epstein had sent an email to Gates in 2017 in which he threatens Gates about his alleged Affair he did this after multiple failed attempts to convince gates to join his efforts to establish a large charitable fund with JP Morgan

Jeffrey Epstein threatened Bill Gates over alleged affairs

Two privately-owned islands belonging to Jeffrey Epstein, the tainted American financier and registered sexual offender, were sold to a billionaire investor Thursday. The two islands, Great St.James and Little St. James were abandoned after Epstein committed suicide in 2019 in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.&nbsp;

Stephen Deckoff, the founder of private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management, bought the islands for $60 million, Forbes reported Wednesday. Deckoff paid approximately 50 per cent less for the two private islands than the price that was listed last year by Epstein’s estate.&nbsp;

According to a press release by Deckoff, he is planning to “develop a state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort” on the islands that will become operational in 2025.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Kherson shelling toll rises to 21</a>

"I've been proud to call the US&nbsp;Virgin Islands home for more than a decade and am tremendously pleased to be able to bring the area a world-class destination befitting its natural grace and beauty," Deckoff said in the release.&nbsp;

"There is simply no place in the world as special as the US&nbsp;Virgin Islands and I am humbled by the opportunity to share its splendour with visitors in a manner that will provide economic benefits to the region while respecting its culture, history and natural beauty."

In a conversation with Forbes, Deckoff revealed&nbsp;that he had never met Epstein and had never been to the islands before they went on the market. In March last year, the islands were listed for a combined price of $125 million.&nbsp;

Deckoff has ties with the US Virgin Islands and is aware of the unsavoury past of these islands. It was reported that Epstein used to use these islands to sexually abuse&nbsp;teenage girls. One island was even sometimes dubbed as the ‘Paedophile Island’.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-dismisses-donald-trumps-lawsuit-against-new-york-times-orders-him-to-pay-all-legal-fees-588698">US judge dismisses Donald Trump's lawsuit against New York Times, orders him to pay all legal fees</a>

The 72-acre Little St. James Island was repurchased by Epstein in 1998 for $7.95 million, which has a villa-style compound, a library, a cinema hall, a detached bath house and cabanas. He later bought the 160-acre Great St. James Island for $20 million in 2016.&nbsp;

In the allegation against Epstein, it was said that he used to bring girls as young as 11 to the islands with his associates and used to sexually assault them.&nbsp;

Jeffrey Epstein’s case&nbsp;

Jeffrey Epstein died of an apparent suicide in August 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell, where he was held while awaiting his trial for sex trafficking. The FBI raided Little St. James, where Epstein was believed to have his primary residence.&nbsp;

Epstein’s girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell was later found guilty of aiding his beau in the sex trafficking of young girls and was sentenced to prison for 20 years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Two privately-owned islands belonging to Jeffrey Epstein, the tainted American financier and registered sexual offender, were sold to a billionaire investor Thursday.

Two privately-owned islands belonging to Jeffrey Epstein, the tainted American financier and registered sexual offender, were sold to a billionaire investor Thursday. The two islands, Great St.James and Little St. James were abandoned after Epstein committed suicide in 2019 in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Stephen Deckoff, the founder of private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management, bought the islands for $60 million, Forbes reported Wednesday. Deckoff paid approximately 50 per cent less for the two private islands than the price that was listed last year by Epstein’s estate. According to a press release by Deckoff, he is planning to “develop a state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort” on the islands that will become operational in 2025. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Kherson shelling toll rises to 21 "I've been proud to call the US Virgin Islands home for more than a decade and am tremendously pleased to be able to bring the area a world-class destination befitting its natural grace and beauty," Deckoff said in the release. "There is simply no place in the world as special as the US Virgin Islands and I am humbled by the opportunity to share its splendour with visitors in a manner that will provide economic benefits to the region while respecting its culture, history and natural beauty." In a conversation with Forbes, Deckoff revealed that he had never met Epstein and had never been to the islands before they went on the market. In March last year, the islands were listed for a combined price of $125 million. Deckoff has ties with the US Virgin Islands and is aware of the unsavoury past of these islands. It was reported that Epstein used to use these islands to sexually abuse teenage girls. One island was even sometimes dubbed as the ‘Paedophile Island’. Also Read | US judge dismisses Donald Trump's lawsuit against New York Times, orders him to pay all legal fees The 72-acre Little St. James Island was repurchased by Epstein in 1998 for $7.95 million, which has a villa-style compound, a library, a cinema hall, a detached bath house and cabanas. He later bought the 160-acre Great St. James Island for $20 million in 2016. In the allegation against Epstein, it was said that he used to bring girls as young as 11 to the islands with his associates and used to sexually assault them. Jeffrey Epstein’s case Jeffrey Epstein died of an apparent suicide in August 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell, where he was held while awaiting his trial for sex trafficking. The FBI raided Little St. James, where Epstein was believed to have his primary residence. Epstein’s girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell was later found guilty of aiding his beau in the sex trafficking of young girls and was sentenced to prison for 20 years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jeffrey Epstein’s private islands sold to billionaire investor for $60 million

Redacted documents from Ghislaine Maxwell's 2016 deposition in a defamation lawsuit were made public, showing her angrily rejecting claims she introduced a teenage girl as a sex partner to a man believed to be Prince Andrew. Watch report.

Jeffrey Epstein case updates: Ghislaine Maxwell deposition released

&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Tuesday that he wished alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell well, noting that he had met her multiple times in the past, but he had little else to say on the case involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump, speaking at his first coronavirus briefing in weeks, was asked if he thinks Maxwell will "turn in powerful men" following her arrest, given that she was the longtime associate of Epstein and was his alleged co-conspirator.

"I don't know, I haven't really been following it too much,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said of the case.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-ghislaine-maxwell-deserves-no-special-treatment-urges-detention-313081">US says Ghislaine Maxwell deserves no 'special treatment,' urges detention</a>

Maxwell was arrested early this month in New Hampshire, where authorities said she had been hiding at a sprawling property she bought while shielding her identity.

"I just wish her well, frankly,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said. "I've met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach, but I wish her well, whatever it is."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ghislaine-maxwell-denied-bail-in-epstein-sex-abuse-case-313478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Maxwell, 58, has denied charges she lured underage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse and has pleaded not guilty. A US&nbsp;District Court judge in Manhattan denied bail at her hearing last week, saying the wealthy socialite posed a flight risk.

Prosecutors have accused Maxwell, 58, of helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse girls as young as 14 from 1994 to 1997 and lying about her role in depositions in 2016. Her trial is set to start on July 12, 2021.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he wished alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell well, noting that he had met her multiple times in the past, but he had little else to say on the case involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he wished alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell well, noting that he had met her multiple times in the past, but he had little else to say on the case involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump, speaking at his first coronavirus briefing in weeks, was asked if he thinks Maxwell will "turn in powerful men" following her arrest, given that she was the longtime associate of Epstein and was his alleged co-conspirator. "I don't know, I haven't really been following it too much," Trump said of the case. Also read: US says Ghislaine Maxwell deserves no 'special treatment,' urges detention Maxwell was arrested early this month in New Hampshire, where authorities said she had been hiding at a sprawling property she bought while shielding her identity. "I just wish her well, frankly," Trump said. "I've met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach, but I wish her well, whatever it is." Maxwell, 58, has denied charges she lured underage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse and has pleaded not guilty. A US District Court judge in Manhattan denied bail at her hearing last week, saying the wealthy socialite posed a flight risk. Prosecutors have accused Maxwell, 58, of helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse girls as young as 14 from 1994 to 1997 and lying about her role in depositions in 2016. Her trial is set to start on July 12, 2021.

'I wish her well': Trump comments on arrest of Epstein aide, alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell

Ghislaine Maxwell, the ex-girlfriend of the late US convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been denied bail in a high-profile sex case.

Ghislaine Maxwell denied bail in Epstein sex abuse case

Britain's Prince Andrew has "completely shut the door" on cooperating with the FBI in its investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a US prosecutor said Monday. 
 
Despite publicly offering his assistance, "Prince Andrew has now completely shut the door on voluntary cooperation," said New York attorney Geoffrey Berman, who had already accused the prince in late January of failing to cooperate. 
 
Berman added that his office, which is known for having some of the most aggressive investigators in the US federal judiciary system, "is considering its options" on how to proceed, without offering further details. 
 
Queen Elizabeth II's second son stepped back from frontline royal duties after he faced outrage over an interview with the BBC late last year in which he defended his friendship with Epstein. 
 
Andrew, 59, also denied having sexual relations with Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was trafficked to have sex with friends of Epstein when she was 17. 
 
Epstein, 66, killed himself in a New York jail in August while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. 
 
He was a multi-millionaire hedge fund manager who befriended countless celebrities over the years, including US President Donald Trump. 
 
Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and another of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. 
 
He denied the charges but was facing up to 45 years in jail if found guilty.

Britain's Prince Andrew has "completely shut the door" on cooperating with the FBI in its investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a US prosecutor said Monday.

Britain's Prince Andrew has "completely shut the door" on cooperating with the FBI in its investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a US prosecutor said Monday. Despite publicly offering his assistance, "Prince Andrew has now completely shut the door on voluntary cooperation," said New York attorney Geoffrey Berman, who had already accused the prince in late January of failing to cooperate. Berman added that his office, which is known for having some of the most aggressive investigators in the US federal judiciary system, "is considering its options" on how to proceed, without offering further details. Queen Elizabeth II's second son stepped back from frontline royal duties after he faced outrage over an interview with the BBC late last year in which he defended his friendship with Epstein. Andrew, 59, also denied having sexual relations with Virginia Giuffre, who alleges she was trafficked to have sex with friends of Epstein when she was 17. Epstein, 66, killed himself in a New York jail in August while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. He was a multi-millionaire hedge fund manager who befriended countless celebrities over the years, including US President Donald Trump. Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and another of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He denied the charges but was facing up to 45 years in jail if found guilty.

Prince Andrew shuts door on cooperation in Epstein case

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Epstein-Linked modeling Scout Daniel Siaad found dead in France | Epstein Scandal takes new twist

Epstein-Linked modeling Scout Daniel Siaad found dead in France | Epstein Scandal takes new twist

Can ‘Redacted’ Epstein Files be read? Here's what viral clip reveals

Ruslana Korshunova, a 20-year-old model who died by suicide after visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s island

More court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein unsealed

Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Where did he source his $580 mn fortune?

Jeffrey Epstein: Prison created opportunity for suicide, says report

Jeffrey Epstein threatened Bill Gates over alleged affairs

Jeffrey Epstein’s private islands sold to billionaire investor for $60 million

Jeffrey Epstein case updates: Ghislaine Maxwell deposition released

'I wish her well': Trump comments on arrest of Epstein aide, alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell

Ghislaine Maxwell denied bail in Epstein sex abuse case

Prince Andrew shuts door on cooperation in Epstein case