ROME: A man who posed as an airline pilot and traveled in the cockpit of at least one plane was arrested in Turin Airport using forged identity cards and wearing a pilot’s uniform, Italian police said on Saturday.
The 32-year-old, whose real name was not released, allegedly created a fake identity as a Lufthansa pilot named “Andrea Sirlo,” complete with a Facebook page that included fake flight attendant friends.
Police said they were alerted several months ago after “Sirlo” introduced himself as a captain to a Civil Aviation lieutenant, who became suspicious because he seemed too young for the job.
The national military police tracked down the suspect from photos on his Facebook profile, in which he is shown posing in uniform and sunglasses in front of airplanes.
He was arrested in the check-in area of Turin Airport on Friday.
Police said “Sirlo” had traveled for free on at least one flight as a “third pilot” sitting in the cockpit. They were investigating whether he had flown as an impostor at other times.
Lufthansa declined to comment on whether one of their flights had been involved and said it was a matter for the police.
At a press conference, police displayed a white shirt with epaulettes and a black double-breasted jacket with pilot stripes sewn on the cuffs. They said they also seized fake resumes, airline badges and an airport staff parking permit.
Turin Airport said in a statement it had not issued any permits in the name of the person involved.
A profile on a website where users can track their flights shows “Pilot Andrea Sirlo” flying from Munich Airport to Turin on Oct. 23, 2011. (http://myflightbook.com/logbook/public/ViewPublicFlight.aspx?id=111466)
Munich Airport did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The case recalls the 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can,” in which Leonardo DiCaprio played Frank Abagnale, a real-life con man who is said to have flown more than 1,600,000 kilometers (1 million miles) as a fake Pan American pilot in the 1960s.
’Sirlo’ is the name of a flight corridor over Turin.
Fake Italian pilot traveled in cockpit, police say
Fake Italian pilot traveled in cockpit, police say
Malika El-Maslouhi ushers in spring in Maje
DUBAI: Moroccan Italian model Malika El-Maslouhi is the embodiment of relaxed in Parisian label Maje’s Spring-Summer 2026 campaign.
The model took to Instagram to share shots from the campaign. Set against a minimalist concrete backdrop, El-Maslouhi is seen wearing a green and white striped knit cardigan paired with wide-leg, speckled denim and chunky black boots, creating a chic contrast between casual comfort and fashion-forward styling. The oversized brown leather bag slung under her arm adds a touch of understated luxury.
She captioned the post, “Spring renaissance.”
Meanwhile, El-Maslouhi ended 2025 on a strong note with a holiday campaign for the French luxury label Guerlain.
In a photo shared on the brand’s Instagram page, the 27-year-old model, who has become a favorite on international runways, wore the limited-edition Rouge G lipstick from Guerlain’s Tale of Wonders Holiday Collection in shade G 877. She was also pictured holding the lipstick alongside the matching limited-edition Rouge G Stellar case.
In August 2025, she was the face of Anthropologie’s 2026 resort-wear campaign. The line blended breezy elegance with playful details, including jewel-toned maxi dresses, sleek black knitted dresses, and form-fitting satin gowns that would be perfect for date night.
El-Maslouhi has previously starred in Anthropologie’s summer campaigns. The catwalk star was photographed posing pool and beachside in pieces from Anthropologie’s summer offering, which included ready-to-wear, swimwear and accessories.
Earlier in the year, El-Maslouhi starred in Saint Levant’s music video for the song “Exile,” directed by Algerian-French filmmaker Lyna Zerrouki. The video, which explores themes of longing, loss and hope, features El-Maslouhi against a striking blue backdrop, seemingly falling through the air.
El-Maslouhi, born in Milan to a Moroccan father and an Italian mother, began her modeling career at the age of 18. She has since appeared on runways for international fashion houses including Dior, Chanel, Valentino and Jacquemus, gracing the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. Over the years, she has walked for brands such as Ulla Johnson, Prabal Gurung, David Koma, Boss, Missoni, Messika and more.
She has also featured in campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein, Off-White and Lanvin, expanding her portfolio across both luxury and contemporary fashion.
In 2022, she was awarded the Model of the Year in Italy title.
