In a case drawing direct parallels to the Hollywood film ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ United States authorities have unsealed charges against a Canadian national accused of orchestrating an elaborate aviation impersonation scheme. Dallas Pokornik, 33, from Toronto, stands accused of masquerading as both a pilot and flight attendant to fraudulently obtain hundreds of free flights over a four-year period.
According to federal prosecutors, Pokornik utilized a fabricated employee identification card to secure complimentary travel on multiple U.S. carriers. Court documents reveal the audacious nature of his alleged deception, including a specific instance where he requested occupancy of the cockpit ‘jump seat’—a position strictly reserved for off-duty pilots—despite holding no valid airman’s certificate or pilot qualifications.
The Justice Department indicates the alleged fraud spanned from January 2020 through October 2024, though the current indictment specifically addresses activities during the final ten months of this period. Pokornik, who was apprehended in Panama and subsequently extradited to the United States, now confronts serious wire fraud charges.
While the implicated airlines remain officially unnamed in legal filings, they are described as being headquartered in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth, Texas—characteristics that correspond to Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, respectively.
Authorities note that Pokornik had legitimate prior industry experience, having worked as a flight attendant for a Canadian carrier between 2017 and 2019. However, prosecutors emphasize he was not employed by any airline during the years of the alleged impersonation scheme.
The Department of Justice has stated that upon conviction, Pokornik could face a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment alongside fines reaching $250,000. The BBC has reached out to Pokornik’s legal representation for comment regarding these allegations.