Catch Me If You Can

Changing role: from on the run to FBI adviser

In a HARDtalk interview on 9 May, Frank Abagnale, Author of 'Catch Me If You Can', explains how he ran circles around the US authorities for years.

Frank Abagnale was no ordinary conman --he pioneered identity theft.

He tells Sarah Montague how for years he successfully convinced prospective employers that he was a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer.

He forged cheques for millions and lived in luxury - until he was finally caught by the authorities.

Today, however, he is an adviser to the FBI.

A Hollywood film, starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Tom Hanks, has been made about his exploits.

HARDtalk can be seen on BBC World at 0330gmt, 0830gmt, 1530gmt, 1830gmt and 2330gmt.