A document trove released by the U.S. Department of Justice has revealed new details about the extent of financier Jeffrey Epstein's ties to figures in the modeling industry, including modeling agency executives, administrators, and scouts.

These records depict a mutually beneficial relationship between Epstein and some individuals in the international modeling industry. In exchange for Epstein providing money, professional connections, and assistance with U.S. visa applications, industry insiders facilitated his access to young foreign girls — many of whom later accused Epstein of sexual abuse.

In a series of emails with Epstein, one model scout proudly introduced a prospective candidate as a "cute French girl," stating she would "be thrilled to meet you." The scout also described a group of 16-17-year-old candidates from Scandinavia "who will be ready next year." Another scout praised a young model as "the most wonderful girl."

"She is the gift I plan to give you", the scout wrote.

Though authorities convicted Epstein of sex crimes in 2008, some modeling industry figures still sought business partnerships with him, invited him to fashion events, and allowed him to maintain contact with their companies. This helped Epstein project the image of an executive capable of making or breaking the careers of the models he targeted.

Emails show that at least six industry figures repeatedly introduced young models to the sex offender. Some emails contained sexually suggestive content, while others appeared to be professional model introductions. The records also indicate that many other industry insiders regularly corresponded with Epstein and maintained close relationships with him.

Some individuals connected to Epstein faced criminal charges, including Jean-Luc Brunel, a French model broker accused of abuse by a prominent Epstein victim. After his arrest in 2020 on charges of raping minors, Brunel died by suicide in a Paris prison. He had previously denied all allegations.

Epstein's ties to the fashion industry are currently under investigation by lawmakers and law enforcement agencies. According to victim advocates, these investigations could hold the modeling industry accountable after years of alleged complicity in the sexual abuse of young models.

"In some cases, the modeling industry is just a front for human trafficking. I believe this happens at the highest levels of business", said Sara Ziff, founder of Model Alliance. This organization has long called for a comprehensive investigation into how the fashion industry contributed to Epstein's predatory behavior.

The promise to 'make dreams come true'

Before his sex scandals dominated headlines, Epstein was known as an enigmatic financier with a high-profile client: Les Wexner, the retail billionaire who owned Victoria's Secret. In the 1980s, Wexner entrusted Epstein with managing his investments.

His relationship with Wexner, combined with frequent attendance at fashion shows and constant appearances with young models, helped Epstein cultivate the image of an influential figure in the fashion industry.

Epstein never held any official position in the modeling industry. However, Department of Justice records reveal the opposite, containing numerous testimonies from aspiring models to investigators, stating they were led to Epstein through professional connections or word-of-mouth referrals.

One of the earliest allegations of Epstein exploiting modeling industry connections was recorded in a 1997 California police report. According to a woman's account to investigators, when Epstein asked her to remove her clothes, she complied, believing he could feature her in the lingerie brand's catalog.

"He helped by pulling up her shirt and skirt, then touched her buttocks", the report stated. Local authorities did not charge Epstein.

In the early 2000s, Epstein lured a woman from South Africa to the U.S. by promising to help launch her modeling career. "He said he would make my dreams come true, but he turned it into a terrible nightmare", said Juliette Bryant. She stated Epstein abused her and never helped her secure any modeling jobs.

Epstein established a more direct link with the modeling industry through his friendship with broker Brunel. Brunel often attended parties with Epstein and frequently used his private jet for travel.

Jeffrey Epstein (left) and Jean-Luc Brunel. Photo: US Department of Justice

Around 2005, Epstein provided Brunel with a 1 million USD line of credit to establish the modeling agency MC2 Model Management. Brunel had previously faced allegations of drugging and sexually assaulting models, but at that time, he had not been criminally prosecuted and continued working in the industry.

Epstein sometimes used this company to access young women, some of whom he abused, according to testimony from several former MC2 models before Congress and in interviews.

Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a Russian model, worked across Europe, sometimes earning 2,000 to 3,000 USD per day, but hoped to advance her career further in the U.S. According to Svetlana, Siad introduced her to Epstein, promising to help her enter the New York market. She signed with MC2, but her career subsequently stalled, sometimes yielding only one job per week worth a few hundred USD.

Svetlana later became Epstein's personal assistant, performing almost no work and enduring years of abuse.

Svetlana stated MC2 continued to sponsor her visa, even though she was working for Epstein rather than actively modeling. "I knew I couldn't transfer to work elsewhere. They knew I was working for Epstein but kept extending my visa. Clearly, there was an implicit agreement between them", Svetlana recounted.

A photo of Svetlana Pozhidaeva released in the Epstein files. Photo: US Department of Justice

At a House of Representatives hearing in May, another former MC2 model stated the company "controlled every aspect" of her life and took her to Epstein's home after she was recruited from Uzbekistan.

In 2008, Epstein was arrested and pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution involving minors, but received only a 13-month prison sentence due to a plea deal. Jeff Fuller, then-president of MC2, adamantly denied Epstein had any connection to the company.

After Epstein's conviction in Florida, emails show many other figures in the fashion world maintained contact with him.

"Always loving and with you", Faith Kates, co-founder of the renowned modeling agency Next Management, wrote in 2009.

Kates assisted Epstein multiple times. In return, Epstein gave Kates a Prada bag, offered business advice, invited her shopping with Prince Andrew of England, and introduced models to her.

Global network

Many models accusing Epstein of abuse were foreigners who came to the U.S. Department of Justice records provided further evidence of how Epstein leveraged an international modeling network by establishing relationships with scouts in various countries. Some were directly paid by Epstein to seek out new talent worldwide.

"I can make a list of girls", a woman identifying herself as Victoria Housez wrote to Epstein in 2013. Housez introduced herself as working in Paris and having been a scout for modeling agencies. She repeatedly sent Epstein information about models in their late teens or early 20s.

"Let me know when you want me to come with her", Housez wrote in a message sharing information about a model who had appeared in lingerie advertisements.

The documents do not state whether Epstein met the models Housez introduced. However, records show he sent Housez several thousand USD, noted as "gifts."

Daniel Siad, a professional model scout, also regularly communicated with Epstein. "Send me the details of the girls", Epstein wrote in 2014 as Siad consistently sent him photos of young women he met during trips to Europe, North Africa, and the Caribbean.

Siad later began receiving direct payments from Epstein totaling tens of thousands of USD in the 2010s. Siad stated the payments from Epstein were fees for finding models.

Beyond sharing photos with Epstein, Siad also arranged video chats and in-person meetings with young women. Epstein rejected some who were considered "too old."

Model scout Daniel Siad. Photo: US Department of Justice

Department of Justice records indicate Siad came under federal law enforcement scrutiny, though he has not been charged. One document stated Brunel described Siad as Epstein's "recruiter."

In an interview, Siad firmly denied knowing about Epstein's abusive behavior at the time he introduced women to him.

Revelations from the Epstein files have placed some individuals with close ties to him in the modeling industry under scrutiny. Simultaneously, many models and victims are calling for accountability for those involved and for increased reforms within the industry.

Late last year, as the government began releasing Epstein's emails, Kates announced her retirement from Next, stating she wanted to "give back to the community."

Ebba Karlsson, a former model, stated she filed a complaint with Paris police in February, accusing Siad of rape and human trafficking. She said she spoke directly with authorities there and is awaiting processing.